Red Cross drops volunteer who held one-man protest against same-sex marriage
The British Red Cross has dismissed a Wakefield volunteer who held a one-man protest on the day same-sex weddings began.
UKIP candidate Bryan Barkley, 71, protested in the city in March this year when same-sex weddings began, holding placards that said “No same sex marriage” and “No redefinition of marriage”.
Following the incident, the charity withdrew his opportunity to volunteer, citing the “fundamental principles of the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement and the values of the British Red Cross”.
The Red Cross said: “We are committed to and bound by our fundamental principles which… do not take sides in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
“We have to consider the compatibility of people’s publicly expressed views in line with the fundamental principles.”
However, Mr Barkley claims the dismissal was “unfair and without justification”, and the Christian Institute is providing him with legal advice.
He told the Daily Mail: “What have I done wrong? I passionately believe that the institution of marriage is between a man and a woman and is the cornerstone of our society. Why is it wrong to say so in public?
“Freedom of expression is being stifled in this country. I have nothing against homosexuals. But I don’t believe Parliament was representing the views of the people when it changed the definition of marriage.”
