Rainbow Wellington is expressing support for those in Auckland who are responding to the “vile pronouncements” of Logan Robertson of the Westcity Bible Baptist Church. The self-declared pastor has sparked anger and disgust by calling a gay Auckland man a “filthy child molesting fag” and saying he prayed he would kill himself. Robertson then stated he believes gay people should be put to death, and that if the government was righteous it would be doing so. Rainbow Wellington Board member Steve Farrow says the group believes in human rights including the freedom of speech. “We also believe in the responsibility of every citizen to respect every other citizen. Freedom of speech has limitations. Pastor Robertson has well exceeded those.” Chair Rawa Karetai says Rainbow Wellington acknowledges Robertson's organisation has no affiliation with the national union of Baptist churches in New Zealand. “We also acknowledge that Rev Craig Vernall, the leader of the Baptist Church in NZ, is also appalled by Pastor Robertson's comments.” Rainbow Wellington says it’s awaiting similar condemnation from the national representatives of other churches in New Zealand.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 11th December 2014 - 1:49pm