York Demo For Gay Marriage Rights
Around 115 protesters staged a demonstration outside York Minster over comments made by the Archbishop of York on same-sex marriage.
Demonstrators held placards and chanted songs outside York Minster as activists made speeches denouncing Dr John Sentamu's words.
The noisy, but good-natured demonstration, was sparked by comments made by the Archbishop in which he said ministers should not overrule the Bible by allowing same-sex marriage.
He said Prime Minister David Cameron would be like a “dictator” if he permitted homosexual couples to get married.
Dr Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England, said marriage must remain a union between a man and a woman. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the Archbishop said marriage was set in history and the state could not change it overnight.
His comments were condemned by those attending the protest outside the gothic cathedral.
20 year old Cem Turhan, a second year philosophy and politics student at York University, organised the event.
He said: “We have come here to show our anger at Dr Sentamu's comments. We are showing unity and coming together with the aim of spreading the message about same-sex marriage.
“What he said was completely wrong. Marriage is a civil right, we should not allow religion to dictate what it is.''
Following the speeches, some protesters sang songs on the steps of the Great West Door as members of the public looked on.
