IRVINE, Scotland, February 7, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – Christian preacher Gordon Larmour was jailed overnight for answering a homosexual teen's question about the Bible. Now cleared by a judge of any wrongdoing after a six-month ordeal, Larmour was accused of “threatening or abusive behavior, aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation” and “assault aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation.” He was distributing leaflets and preaching on July 17, 2016, when a 19-year-old asked him what the Bible taught on homosexuality.
Larmour responded by articulating the Bible's stance on homosexual conduct, explaining the story of Adam and Eve, who God made “male and female.” The unnamed 19-year-old apparently chased Larmour after an argument ensued. Police then arrested Larmour, who spent the night in jail.
Larmour said the teen's friend testified about what really happened: “In court, the boy's friend told the truth — that I hadn't assaulted him or called him homophobic names.”
“I had simply answered his question and told him about Adam and Eve and heaven and hell,” he said. “Preaching from the Bible is not a crime.”
Larmour's trial lasted just one hour.
Larmour told the Scottish Mail the incident was “a massive overreaction and a waste of everyone's time.” He said the boy was “drunk and swearing” and “very angry and upset.”
The United Kingdom has seen an increase of Christians accused of “hate crimes” or “harassment.” In 2015, a Catholic hermit was charged with harassment for trying to convert two lesbian witches. He has been arrested at least 10 times for distributing materials denouncing abortion and homosexuality.
“Freedom of speech is being consistently undermined in the UK, but here is a win for common sense,” said Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre. “Christians need not be intimidated, and should take advantage of the freedom we have to share the good news about Jesus.”