UK: Councillor claims ‘politically correct Gestapo’ responsible for gay cake row
A councillor has claimed that a “politically correct Gestapo” is targeting Christian businesses, following a row over a Christian bakery.
Asher’s Baking Company, a Christian-owned bakery in Northern Ireland, could face legal action after they refused the request of a gay rights activist for a cake showing the message ‘Support Gay Marriage’, above an image of Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie.
According to the Belfast Newsletter, North Down DUP councillor Alan Graham said in an email to colleagues: “Homosexuals seem to seek offence, a bit like the anti-freedom, anti-parade lobby who go out of their way to be offended.
“I suppose it is all guns blazing with the politically correct Gestapo.”
Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir – who says the cake was intended for his event marking International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia – said: “I am shocked to have received an email in response to this issue from Alderman Graham referring to ‘the political correct Gestapo’.
“To make such a reference to the Gestapo is profoundly offensive when thousands of gay men, along with millions of Jews and others were killed by the Nazis during the Second World War.”
“Intolerant and irresponsible comments such as those circulated by Alderman Graham must be condemned outright. Without such condemnation, homophobia remains an acceptable prejudice which, as the evidence proves, some feel can be circulated and communicated to me in a grossly offensive manner without hindrance nor challenge.”
On Wednesday this week, Prime Minister David Cameron claimed he was “not aware” of the case.
Responding to an MP at Prime Minister’s Questions, he said he was “not aware of the specific case that the honourable gentleman raises”, adding he would “go away and have a look at it”.
Ann Widdecombe claimed: ““In a free country the baker should be able to refuse to take part in what is effectively PR for gay marriage in the knowledge that any customers who do not like that decision are free to buy their morning loaf elsewhere.”
