Preacher’s arrest faces criticism

The arrest of a preacher for statements alleged to have suggested that homosexuality is a sin has received criticism from Christian campaigners.

Dale McAlpine, 42, was charged with using threatening words or behaving to cause harassment, alarm or distress, on April 20.

During an exchange with a woman, Mr McAlpine said he quietly listed homosexuality among a number of sins referred to in 1 Corinthians, including blasphemy, fornication, adultery and drunkenness.

After she walked away, he alleges she was approached by a police community support officer (PCSO) who spoke with her briefly and then walked over to Mr McAlpine, told him a complaint had been made and that he could be arrested for using racist or homophobic language.

Mr McAlpine then began a 20-minute sermon before three regular uniformed police officers arrived and took him into police custody.

Cumbria Constabulary confirmed he was warned about his behaviour after members of the public complained to a PCSO. Mr McAlpine continued with the behaviour alleged to have caused “alarm or distress” and was arrested by police officers in Workington town centre.

Christian campaigners have expressed concern that the Public Order Act, introduced in 1986 to tackle violent rioters and football hooligans, is being used to curb religious free speech.

Cumbria Constabulary said the arrest was made in the public interest and in response to complaints from the public, not on the reactions of an individual officer. Because the case is scheduled to be heard before magistrates, the force said it is unable to comment further about the incident at this stage.

Mr McAlpine pleaded not guilty at a preliminary hearing last week and is awaiting a trial date.