SUPPORTERS have rallied behind a gay pride event after it was branded “shameful” and “deeply offensive” by a mission worker from the Free Church (continuing) who launched a petition to have it scrapped.
Counter petitions have been set up in support of the Proud Ness march due to take place next month in Inverness after Donald J Morrison gathered more than 700 signatures calling for the parade to be banned.
More than 10,000 people have now signed the two petitions opposing Mr Morrison, who had claimed that "a lot" of people were unhappy with the event "on moral and religious grounds".
The Free Church (Continuing) is breakaway organisation started by former members of the Free Church of Scotland in 2000.
Hotel night porter Gemma, whose rival petition 'Love has no gender' has attracted more than 4,800 signature so far, said she feels a Pride celebration would be a crucial boost for Inverness’ LGBT scene.
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She told The Sun newspaper: “I think it’s disgusting. I came out when I was 14 to friends and they accepted me straight away.
“My whole family accepted me straight away when I came out to them at 16, I’ve had nothing but support.
“Most people in Inverness are supportive of the gay community – but gay nights in town never seems to stick. We’re a bit behind in that sense.
She added: "when I saw this petition it was like a kick in the teeth. I felt so unwelcome and unwanted. We should be encouraged to be who we are.”
A second petition launched on the website 38 Degrees was handed into Highland Council on Tuesday after attracting moree than 8,000 signatures.
David Innes, Campaigner at 38 Degrees said: "The huge number of people who have signed this petition shows the strength of feeling about Proud Ness.
"Gay pride is celebrated all over the world from Sydney to Stirling, and the people of Inverness want to be on the right side of history. Highland Council now needs to listen and let the public take pride in the parade”
Daniel, a 38 Degrees supporter who signed the petition said: “I’m gay myself and believe we should get a right to parade around Inverness just as they do in other cities.”
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The Inverness march is due to take place on the same day as a “historic” gay pride parade goes ahead in the Western Isles for the first time.
Hebridean Pride will go ahead on October 6 with a walk planned in Stornoway, the first time the islands have hosted an event of this nature.
Ness Pride is awaiting official approval from Highland Council, but it is understood that Police Scotland have made no objections, meaning it is almost certain to go ahead.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Highland Council, Licensing has received a request for a parade on 6 October in Inverness. This is currently being considered under consultation with Police Scotland and the Council’s Roads Team.
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"A decision on the parade will be made this week and a Temporary Traffic Restriction Order would be required for the march.
“We can confirm that the Council has received two petitions regarding the proposed parade. One of the petitions was not competent as it did not hold significant amount of signatures and the other is currently being considered under the Council’s Petitions Procedure.
"The matters raised in the petition are not sufficient reason for the Council to refuse permission for the parade, and the petition is being considered separately."
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