BRITAIN: Charges Dropped Against Preacher Who Called Homosexuality A Sin

British police have dropped the charges against Rev. Dale McAlpine, the American preacher who was arrested earlier this month after a gay police liaison heard him telling passersby that homosexuality a sin. American anti-gay groups immediately began using McAlpine's arrest as an example of the so-called homofascism that will roil the United States as a result of the passage of ENDA.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson told the Times & Star: “The Crown Prosecution Service has carefully assessed the evidence in the case and has decided to discontinue the prosecution of Mr McAlpine. “We would like to reassure the public that we respect, and are committed to upholding, the fundamental right to freedom of expression. “We are just as committed to maintaining the peace and preventing people feeling alarmed or distressed by the actions of others in public places.” Mr McAlpine, who regularly delivers sermons from a stepladder in Workington, described the charge of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress as “ridiculous”.

Noted LGBT activist Peter Tatchell had denounced McAlpine's arrest as "totally disproportionate" and a waste of public money. Which it was, of course. While we're glad to see the charges against McAlpine dropped, you can bet that the Family Research Council and their ilk will fail to note that inconvenient fact in the ongoing and vicious campaign against LGBT rights.