Hate Crime Investigation Underway After Street Preacher In England Tells Gay Couple They Will “Burn In Hell”

A hate crime investigation is underway after a homosexual couple claimed they were told they would burn in hell by a street preacher in Taunton, England. The Somerset County Gazette reporting that Craig Manning and his civil partner, who does not want to be named, were holding hands as they walked through High Street this month when they say a street preacher launched a loud tirade of homophobic abuse at them. Mr Manning claimed the man said they would burn in hell for being gay and the same man verbally abused them there last October. Mr Manning said that “If people want to preach the word of the Bible they can do so, but I don’t think they should be shouting homophobic abuse up the high street at people. Everyone in the street turned and looked when he started shouting. It’s not right that he should condemn us, and make us feel threatened and intimidated in the middle of town.” An Avon & Somerset Constabulary spokesman said the incident was being investigated as a hate crime “due to the nature of the abuse.” Sergeant Tony Crowter, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: “This man was walking through the town centre when someone shouted abuse at him because of his sexuality. This left the victim feeling harassed and distressed. This is clearly not acceptable behaviour, and it will not be tolerated anywhere in Avon and Somerset.” Martin Jevon, director of Somerset Gay Health, said that “Everyone has the right to an opinion but nobody has the right to exercise that opinion in a way that’s upsetting and potentially threatening. Most religious people don’t necessarily share this man’s opinion and would actually find it quite upsetting.” Anthony Williams, of Stoke St Gregory, who has preached in Taunton for 16 years, told the County Gazette he had nothing to do with the alleged incident. He said he had heard rumours about it and spoke out against the alleged behaviour of the man. In High Street yesterday on Wednesday he said that “We must preach the word of Grace, not just stand and judge people.”Police are asking for witnesses to come forward.