‘Christian’ protesters confront city Pride marchers during diversity event

RELIGIOUS, ANTI-LGBT protesters attempted to disrupt the Pride Sheffield event over the weekend.

A small group, reportedly Christians, bearing placards and megaphones appeared at the celebration of diversity in Endcliffe Park in the city on Saturday afternoon.

They were quickly surrounded by some of those in attendance, who started pro-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual) chants, and were eventually escorted away from the park.

Transgender Nathan Fortune, 22, from Sheffield, walked into the middle of the group holding up a sign saying ‘God adores you’.

He said: “The protesters came into the park, attempting to tell the community that they needed Jesus in their lives, telling us that God does not stand with LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer) people.

“They went about it in the entirely wrong way in my opinion, presenting as if they were wanting to battle. I’m transgender and my relationship with my God is the most important thing for me.

“My friends and I who were representing Christians At Pride and several church communities in Sheffield, wanted the LGBTQ+ community to know that it wasn’t God versus them, that God loves unconditionally no matter who you are or who you love.

“I wanted that message to be front and centre, standing against the hateful message the protesters were yelling through a megaphone. A lot of the community thanked me for my fortitude.”

The identity of the protesters is not yet known. South Yorkshire Police were at the event but said no incidents were reported.

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