Protestant pastor vows to fight against gay sauna in Londonderry
A Protestant fundamentalist pastor has said that he will take his protest against a gay sauna onto the streets of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after it was given full planning permission this week.
The Cage, owned by Barry McGonagle, opened in February but was only granted planning approval for expansion this week.
However, Mark Bradford, from the city’s Bethnal Baptist church claimed the application submitted by the owner was misleading. He told the Belfast Telegraph’s Donna Deeney: “There is no mention in the application for a dark room, a cinema or private cubicles but this is what is being advertised.”
He added: “While I and other ministers have quietly gathered over 400 signatures on a petition protesting against this place, I will not rule out taking our protests to the streets now and I will not stop until this carbuncle is removed from the city.”
Mr McGonagle also spoke to the Belfast Telegraph, saying he had no intention of moving his premises: “I know this is a first for the city and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I wasn’t expecting one hundred per cent of the people to be happy but I will not let this deter me.
“The customers that have already been here have been very complimentary and are glad that something like this is in Derry for gay and bisexual men.
He added that although there was a similar place in Belfast, there was nothing comparable in the north west.
