by Lyf Compton

Thousands of white-clad people, primarily representing the various Christian denominations here, descended on Kingstown yesterday for a march and rally organized to protest the challenge to this country’s anti-buggery laws. The event, organized by the Christian Coalition, was held under the theme “A call to Righteousness: calling our nation to God”.

One group of protesters started the march at Mahogany Square, Richmond Hill, while the others started at Little Tokyo on Bay Street, after which both groups converged in front the Court House in Kingstown where a prayer meeting was held.

Moving behind two trucks that were belting out gospel music, the group’s final destination was Heritage Square.

As the parade of white moved along Halifax Street, persons standing on the sidewalks waved in solidarity. Many workers peered from second story windows, one man held up a wooden carving reading: “God is great”.

Some of the protesters carried placards denouncing homosexuality while energetically singing hymns. A speaker began ministering in tongues at one point. One placard carried by Pastor Errol Daniel of the Streams of Power Churches read: “Change of heart not change laws”, another said: “Stop crime before crime stops you” while numerous others quoted scripture that denounces homosexual activity.

Organizers say the catalyst for the march was the challenge to the buggery laws by gay Vincentians Sean MacLeish and Javin Johnson, but that the activity was also held to address rape, crime, the family, and domestic abuse.

On arrival at Heritage Square, the rally began and speakers from various denominations took the stage, among them Reverend Adolf Davis, Superintendent Minister of the Kingstown Chateaubelair Circuit of the Methodist Church; Dr Cecil Richards, Pastor of the Kingstown Baptist Church (KBC); Monsignor Michael Stewart of the Roman Catholic Church and lawyer Mandela Peters. Read more via Searchlight