Preachers prompt debate on limit of free speech in Leek
Ms Green has lived in Leek since she was a child and said she had recently noticed people becoming upset and businesses struggling on the days preachers were in the town."No one in Leek has a problem with street preaching, what we have a problem with is things that are hurtful and bordering hate speech," she said."I respect everyone's beliefs, but I don't like to be called a bad mother walking down the street."Ms Green said people stopped her in the street to thank her for what she had been doing."I'm in no way trying to stop the freedom of speech," she added. "It's just there's a very careful line between what is free speech and what is hate speech under the guise of religion."Preachers have been a feature in the town centre for many years.Shoppers told the BBC last September they had faced homophobia in the town. One lesbian said she had been called a "sin of nature" and "against God's will".During the Pride in the Moorlands event ten days ago, one preacher said: "Sin isn't something to be celebrated or tolerated", adding that God had "made a way for us to be set free from the power of sin".He added: "Mankind... they like their lifestyle more than God, so they're unwilling to accept a message that is potentially telling them their lifestyle is wrong."
Preacher Johnathan often preaches for between 30 to 45 minutes before moving on to a new location within the town.This is in line with a code of conduct which asks performers and preachers to move on after 45 minutes in one location and to be aware of market traders or fairs.When asked if his preaching amounted to hate speech, Johnathan said he thought the gospel was "intrinsically offensive", but pointed out that offence was not a crime and did not equate to hate speech."We don't preach hate, we don't incite hate, we preach a message of love," he said.Traders in the town have grown upset with the regular preaching claiming it is reducing business in the town on the days the preachers are there.
Daniel Salt, a barber, said he had noticed a drop in customers when the preachers were outside his shop."It's a nightmare because we have to listen to it all day then there people arguing outside all day", he said.He felt fewer people were less likely to come into the shop as a result."I think, when it starts interfering with businesses and owners, it's not fair on anyone because everyone is just trying to make a living," he added.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said officers continued to liaise with people expressing religious views in Leek."Officers appreciate the community getting in touch with us on this matter and are working in partnership with the local council to address any concerns," they said.
Councillor Bill Cawley, cabinet member for communities at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said the authority's licensing team was working with the police in relation to the code of conduct and that increased enforcement would be discussed in the coming weeks.
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