Men kiss in protest
Two Melbourne gay activists staged a ‘kiss-in’ at the Global Atheist Convention yesteday.
The pair locked lips in front of a small group of fundamentalist Islamic protesters who had come to speak out against the event.
Amid shouting between convention participants and the protesters, Gregory Storer said he and partner Michael Barnett decided to take a stand.
“My partner Michael and I took advantage of the moment to kiss in front of the group,” Storer said.
“We understand that in some Islamic states gay people are persecuted and executed for their sexuality. It was an ideal opportunity to challenge the notion of acceptance and tolerance.
Storer said as he and Barnett began kissing, the protesters shouted, “Burn in hell”.
Storer said security guards were forced to circle the protesters and one woman, who threw herself against protesters, was moved away from the scene.
Activism: You’re Doing It Right :)
I am a proudly pagan lesbian transgender woman who grew up from the age of 14 years in the company of a Middle-Eastern Islamic family. They saw me change gender, and still loved me. They saw me come out as lesbian, and still loved me. They saw me turn away from the Judeo-Christian religions (which includes Islam), and they still loved me. They still love me.
Those engaged in this demonstration do not represent the true spirit of Islam as I’ve seen it practised.
Glad to see two people standing up against a wave of hate with an act of love. Too bad the police weren’t willing to arrest the protesters for encitement to riot.
What a statement. Well done guys! :)