Charges dropped against Christian street preacher

ICC Note

“It was a ridiculous charge, I should never have been arrested. I’m relieved that they have seen sense.”

05/14/2010 UK (The Christian Institute)-Prosecutors have dropped a criminal case against a Christian street preacher who was arrested by police for saying homosexual conduct was a “sin”.

Dale Mcalpine, of Workington in Cumbria , was arrested on 20 April after a conversation with a police community support officer in which Mr Mcalpine said the Bible calls homosexual conduct a sin.

This week crown prosecutors decided to drop the case after reviewing the evidence.

Relief

Mr Mcalpine was assisted by The Christian Institute. He says he is relieved that the prosecution has been dropped.

He said: “It was a ridiculous charge, I should never have been arrested. I’m relieved that they have seen sense.

Support

And he wanted to express his thanks for the support he received. He said: “The Christian Institute are absolutely amazing.”

Innocent

He said: “ Cumbria police can’t just walk away from this. They have arrested and charged an innocent man for no other reason than he peacefully expressed his religious beliefs.

“And it has happened in other parts of the country too. So there is clearly a problem with the system and it has to be put right.”

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson, police commander for West Cumbria , said: “Our officers and staff often have to make difficult decisions while balancing the law and people’s rights.

Reassurance

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