Herewith a new report reprinted in full: Christian councillor suspended after tweeting ‘Pride is not a virtue but a sin’ – Story by Louisa Clarence-Smith – Yesterday 16:34 (BST)
Mr King Lawal (above image), a Northamptonshire councillor, has been suspended from the Conservative Party and said he has been “cancelled” by six other organisations after expressing his religious beliefs on social media.
Responding to images of pride parades organised by LGBT groups at the end of last month, he wrote: “When did Pride become a thing to celebrate. Because of Pride Satan fell as an arch Angel. Pride is not a virtue but a Sin. Those who have Pride should Repent of their sins and return to Jesus Christ. He can save you. #PrideMonth #Pride23 #PrideParade.’”
The post included an image with a verse from Isaiah 3 verse 9, which said: “Whatever God calls ‘Sin’ is nothing to be Proud of.”
Cllr Lawal, 31, said that soon after posting the tweet he was suspended by the local Conservative group, pending an investigation involving CCHQ.
He said he was forced to resign from his job in a nursing and care business after receiving an ultimatum by a different local authority because of his tweet.
Cllr Lawal was also removed as a trustee from an organisation that helps children get access to green spaces and suspended as an academy council member for Weavers Academy, a state secondary school in Wellingborough, Northants, according to correspondence seen by The Telegraph. His local library said he could no longer host a planned surgery at the venue.
Speaking for the first time since the backlash, Cllr Lawal said: “It is now almost impossible to say something biblically truthful on sexual ethics in UK society without being cancelled and having your life ruined.”
He added: “What I said was biblically sound and a protected expression of the Christian faith.”
“As the only black councillor in the whole of Northamptonshire, I know what it is like to be in the minority, and I would never discriminate against anyone. I have diligently represented all my constituents; however, I must also be free to express my beliefs without fear.
“The blunt emails and cancellations I received were shocking and hurtful. There was no respect, no conversation and no reasonableness.
“There were times when my heart was pounding and everything was spinning out of control over one tweet.
“What has happened shows that I am not free and that this is not a free country anymore. If it was free, I would be able to speak.”
Cllr Lawal said he was considering legal action over alleged violations of his rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “North Northamptonshire Conservative Group are an inclusive group. We continue to be committed to reducing inequality within our communities and creating a fair and inclusive environment for everyone. We fully support our LGBTQ+ community, as we support all communities.”
CCHQ and THE Weavers Academy have been contacted for comment.
British Gazette comment: See title (Proverbs Chapter 16; Verse 18)!