A BBC radio presenter has left his job after he accused a Christian lawyer of being a “bigot” on his programme.
During his breakfast show on BBC Three Counties Radio two weeks ago, Iain Lee clashed with solicitor Libby Powell when discussing the case of a prison worker who was forced out of his role for quoting the Bible on homosexuality.
During the exchange, Lee called Powell a “bigot” in response to her saying that the Bible is the word of God.
Apology
Lee also said the prison worker’s views were “obnoxious” and “poisonous”.
Powell, a lawyer for Christian Concern, said the prison worker had quoted verses from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 during a chapel service. This passage lists a number of sins including homosexual practice.
God loves to forgive sinners. He’s forgiven me
Libby Powell,Christian lawyer
She explained that the Bible regards homosexuality as a sin, but added, “God loves to forgive sinners. He’s forgiven me”.
Inappropriate
Last week, the BBC issued an apology, saying it “fully accepts that the language the presenter used, and the tone in which he conducted these interviews, was at several points inappropriate.
“The BBC – and Iain Lee himself – wish to apologise for any offence that may have been caused”, the statement concluded.
On Sunday it was reported that Iain Lee would not be returning to present his breakfast show.
Disappointment
Lee has expressed his disappointment on Twitter by retweeting many messages that support his comments and criticise the BBC.
One from Benjamin Cohen, the Editor of gay news service PinkNews, said: “Credit to @iainlee for standing up to the homophobic bigots. Shame on the BBC”.
Lee also tweeted: “If you think gays and lesbians are sinners, please unfollow me.”
Christian Concern had asked its supporters to complain to the BBC about the “intolerant” nature of the interview.