The Christian B&B owners who were successfully sued by a homosexual couple have expressed their sympathy for the pair in the wake of ‘threatening’ tweets from BNP leader Nick Griffin.
Yesterday a judge ordered Susanne Wilkinson to pay £3,600 in damages to Michael Black and John Morgan.
Following the judgment Mr Griffin tweeted part of the gay couple’s address and said that a “British Justice team” would come and give them a “bit of drama”.
Sympathy
Now Mrs Wilkinson and her husband Mike have said: “We would like to express our sympathy with the homosexual couple Michael Black and John Morgan.
“We know how it feels to have your address publicised and to receive constant threats, unpleasant statements and misunderstanding.
“Our Christian faith centres on the amazing and undeserved love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all mankind.
Pray
“Although Michael and John have chosen to take us to court we bear them no malice. On the contrary we pray for them and for their protection.”
Mrs Wilkinson’s legal defence has been funded by The Christian Institute’s Legal Defence Fund.
Earlier this morning Mike Judge, the Institute’s spokesman, denounced Mr Griffin’s actions.
Targeted
He said: “Susanne was herself targeted by a hate campaign which included threats to burn her house down. She had police patrols protecting her for several months.
“She knows what it’s like to feel threatened and I’m sure her heart goes out to Michael and John. Which ever side of the debate people are on, there is no need for this kind of behaviour.”
Sued
Michael Black and John Morgan sued Mrs Wilkinson after they were told they could not have a double bed in March 2010.
Mrs Wilkinson has been granted permission to appeal against yesterday’s ruling. She is giving it “serious consideration”.