Pride march row makes national headlines
THE BITTER row over a proposed gay pride march through Inverness city centre has attracted national attention as views on both sides intensified.
Highland Council is expected to make a decision next week on Proud Ness after the route had to be slightly amended to avoid the city’s farmers’ market on the same day.
It is planned for October 6 but has been overshadowed by a furious row which broke out after Donald Morrison, a home mission worker with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), submitted a petition signed by 600 opponents on "biblical, religious and moral grounds".
The story, first reported in the Inverness Courier, prompted counter petitions signed by thousands of supporters plus attention from the national media, including Channel 4 News.
Mr Morrison also received a package containing what appeared to be excrement and an obscene message.
"It is a despicable grubby item," said. "What next will appear for putting your head above the parapet?"
He acknowledged his comments had generated more support for the parade but had no regrets about speaking out against the event.
Supporters of the parade this week handed in 8000-name petition to the council. It was started by Rona Graham and Norman MacKinnon of the 38 Degrees campaign network.
David Innes, a campaigner at 38 Degrees, said the huge number signatures showed 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," he said. "Highland Council now needs to listen and let the public take pride in the parade."
The petitions from both sides will not have a bearing on the decision process as the raised matters of concern are not sufficient reason to refuse the parade, according to a council spokeswoman.
She said a decision had been put back as the proposed route had been amended to avoid the farmers’ market in High Street. It was now planned to start in Falcon Square.
Licensing officers are consulting police, ward councillors and road officers.
