Christian Institute slams Nick Griffin's gay couple remarks (From Bucks Free Press)
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Christian Institute slams Nick Griffin's gay couple remarks
5:09pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By James Nadal
Michael Black and John Morgan were turned away from the Cookham B and B and were the subject of Nick Griffin's Twitter rant last week
NICK Griffin's remarks about a gay couple who won damages from a Christian B&B owner have been branded 'nasty' by The Christian Institute.
The BNP Leader caused a storm last week over comments he made on Twitter. His tweets are being investigated by police after complaints.
The remarks came after gay partners Michael Black and John Morgan won £3,600 from Cookham guest house proprietor Susanne Wilkinson.
She turned the men away from the Swiss bed and breakfast in Terry's Lane, in March 2010, saying it would break her religious convictions to let them sleep together there.
On Thursday Mr Griffin revealed details of where Michael Black and John Morgan live and suggested holding a demo outside.
The Christian Institute, which took up the legal case for the B&B owner, has distanced itself from Mr Griffin, despite his apparent support for Mrs Wilkinson and her husband Mike.
The organisation's spokesman Mike Judge said: "This is despicable and nasty behaviour by Nick Griffin.
"Michael Black, John Morgan and Susanne Wilkinson have a genuine disagreement about the B&B case, but they have always been polite and reasonable in their differences.
"That’s how a proper lawful debate should be conducted."
At the time the original furore erupted about the gay couple being refused a room, the Wilkinsons told the Free Press they had been inundated with hate mail and threats, even to burn down their home.
Mr Judge revealed they had to have police patrols protecting them for several months.
He said: "She (Mrs Wilkinson) knows what it’s like to feel threatened and I’m sure her heart goes out to Michael and John. "Which ever side of the debate people are on, there is no need for this kind of behaviour.
"All it’s done is shift the focus away from the important debate about equality and civil liberty – a debate which our country needs and one which ought to be conducted in a respectful and civilised manner."
Mr Morgan admitted the tweets have made them feel 'uncomfortable'.
Controversial Euro MP Mr Griffin has defended his comments, denying they were menacing and hitting out at discrimination law.
