Chaplain Of London Stock Exchange: Tattoo Sodomy Warnings On Gay Men

Rev. Peter Mullen, the chaplain of London's stock exchange, says that gay men should have warnings about the danger of sodomy tattooed on their bodies, much like the warnings on cigarettes.

Mullen, 66, wrote on his blog: "It is time that religious believers began to recommend ... discouragements of homosexual practices after the style of warnings on cigarette packets. "Let us make it obligatory for homosexuals to have their backsides tattooed with the slogan SODOMY CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH and their chins with FELLATIO KILLS."

In a statement issued to the Evening Standard, a spokesman for the Bishop of London said: "While clergy are entitled to their own personal views, we recognise that the content of this text is highly offensive and is in no way reflective of the views of the Diocese of London." A source at the Diocese said the chaplain may now face a disciplinary inquiry over his comments. The source said: "These comments are now being looked at internally within the Diocese and he faces disciplinary procedures."

The head of UK gay rights group Stonewall has called for Mullen's resignation, saying, "If I was a member of the Stock Exchange I would be wondering whether he is the right person to be chaplain in the opening years of the 21st century. We have talked to one or two gay people in the City and they would be perfectly happy if he were to go."

Mullen now claims that he was joking and gives the usual "some of my best friends" disclaimer, but at the same time rails against militant homosexuality.