20 Sep 2010

UK: 20,000 protest over Pope Benedict XVI's views on homosexuality and the spread of HIV/ AIDS

Thousands of protesters ranging from humanists/atheists to gay rights campaigners, sexual health campaigners and women rights campaigners gathered in London on Saturday against Pope Benedict XVI's 4-day visit.

Pinknews.co.uk reports:

Thousands of protesters gathered in central London on Saturday with banners and blown-up condoms, angered at the Pope's response to the child abuse scandal, his homophobic comments about gay relationships and his claims that condoms spread rather than prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Organisers believe that up to 20,000 activists took part in the demonstration in Hyde Park. Protesters included the author of 'The God Delusion', Richard Dawkins, and gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. 

Protesters unfurled banners with statements including: "Pope's opposition to condoms kills people", "Keep the Pope out of women's' reproductive rights" and "F*CK the Pope … But wear a condom". Others simply called the Pope a "bigot" or a "homophobe", while others balloons made up of blown up condoms, while some protesters displayed their anger at the Pontiff's apparent role in covering up the child abuse scandal within the church.

United Kingdom