As Pope Benedict XVI wrapped up his state visit to the UK this weekend, thousands in London protested his views on homosexuality, abortion, women and condoms.
In this news report below, the crowd can be heard chanting “Gay rights are human rights,” “Condoms save lives” and “Faith schools indoctrinate.”
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell spoke at Saturday’s massive rally. “We profoundly disagree with
the Pope’s opposition to women’s rights, gay equality and the use of
condoms to prevent the spread of HIV,” he told the BBC. “And
when he says that all gay people possess a tendency towards evil, that
flies in the face of the Christian gospel of love and compassion.”
Peter Tatchell in green (image via Magnus D on Flickr)
Richard Dawkins, atheist scientist and author of The God Delusion, also spoke at the rally. His full speech below:
You may have seen the picture below circulating online, showing actor Sir Ian McKellen at the protest wearing a shirt that reads “I’m Gandalf and Magneto. Get over it.” It turns out the image was photoshopped. McKellen actually wore a shirt that said, “Some people are gay. Get over it.” That’s still pretty awesome, yeah?
(Image on left via the BBC, photoshopped image on the right. Here’s another photo of McKellen at the protest, if you have any doubt.)
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