October 21, 2011
Defend persecuted Christians, not just gays, ministers told Comments Off
Ann Widdecombe, the former Tory minister, will tomorrow claim the Government is turning a blind eye to abuse of Christians around the world while piling pressure on those who target sexuality.
In a speech in London, she will say “hedgehogs” have a better chance of being protected by the Government.
Miss Widdecombe (pictured) has hit out following reports that David Cameron has threatened to slash aid to poor African countries that persecute gay people.
Malawi has already had its aid cut by £19 million after two gay men were sentenced to 14 years hard labour.
But in a speech to the annual conference of international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) tomorrow, Miss Widdecombe will say: “Fair enough. But what about Christians? When do we qualify for such protection or don’t we?
“You stand a better chance of earnest representation if you are a hedgehog than if you are a persecuted Christian.”
The plight of Christians came in to sharp focus this month following the death of at least 25 people, mainly Coptic Christians, in Egypt.
Ahead of her speech, Miss Widdecombe told the Daily Telegraph last night: “I have been amazed by the sheer extent of persecution of Christians around the world. Most people think this is confined to some Islamic countries but it is not.”
She said there is “tremendous state prohibition of the church” in many countries.
“To be honest, on the whole we do very little and what I am trying to do is raise the profile.
“Once we start going down a road of saying you do not get aid unless you stop persecuting (certain groups) then why on earth are we not putting religious freedom in as an equal to homosexuality? It is extraordinary.”
• Full story at the Daily Telegraph.
• Additional: Ann Widdecombe is right: Christianity in Britain today is under severe persecution.
