Dramatic footage recorded with a hidden camera shows the moment that a Christian street preacher was arrested by police in Cumbria, England, for saying homosexual conduct is a “sin”.
EXCLUSIVE: Arrest caught on camera
The footage, which has only just been discovered, shows uniformed officers arresting Dale Mcalpine on 20 April this year – with a police community support officer smiling in the background.
Transcript:
Dale: We’re not out here to break any laws. We want to abide by the law.There isn’t any law against saying that them things are sins. There isn’t any law against that.
Police: Hello sir. What’ve you been saying, homophobic wise?
Dale: Well, homophobia is hatred towards homosexuals. That’s the definition of homophobia but I’m not a homophobia [sic]. I spoke to your officer earlier and he was upset that I was saying homosexuality was a sin – which is what the Bible says. And I affirm that’s what I say because that’s in the Bible. And there’s no law, there’s no law…
Police: Well there is.
Dale: No there isn’t.
Police: There is. Unfortunately, mate, it’s a breach of Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
Dale: It actually isn’t.
Police: Sir, it’s a…
Dale: We wouldn’t do that because if it was against the law, y’know. Lord Carey, was it Lord – the guy who passed that law in the Houses of Parliament recently – the free speech [inaudible].
Police: [inaudible] It protects free speech to a degree but [inaudible].
Dale’s friend: Actually, I certainly didn’t. These two gentlemen listened to probably all I’ve said. I certainly never mentioned homosexuality.
Police: Yeah, we know.
Dale: The only time I mentioned it was when I was talking to this gentleman here. When I was up on the steps preaching, I didn’t mention it. Even so, y’know, it still is not against the law.
Police: It is against the law. Listen, mate, we’re pretty sure. You’re under arrest for a racially aggravated Section 5 Public Order offence. You don’t have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
Dale: Fair enough.
Police: OK. Do you want to walk this way to our van?