Christian councillor, King Lawal, faces an investigation by the Conservative Party for expressing his religious beliefs on social media, which has led to his suspension, job loss and ‘cancellation’ by six organisations. Lawal claims that his freedom of speech and religion have been violated. The Telegraph has the story:
A Christian councillor who tweeted “Pride is not a virtue but a sin” is being investigated by Conservative headquarters.
King Lawal, a Northamptonshire Councillor, has been suspended from the Conservative Party and said he has been “cancelled” by six other organisations after expressing his religious beliefs on social media.
Responding to images of Pride parades organised by LGBT groups at the end of last month, he wrote: “When did pride become a thing to celebrate? Because of pride, Satan fell as an archangel. Pride is not a virtue but a sin. Those who have pride should repent of their sins and return to Jesus Christ. He can save you. #PrideMonth #Pride23 #PrideParade.”
The post included an image with a verse from Isaiah 3 verse 9, which said: “Whatever God calls ‘sin’ is nothing to be proud of.”
Councillor Lawal, 31, said that soon after posting the tweet he was suspended by the local Conservative group, pending an investigation involving CCHQ.
He said he was forced to resign from his job in a nursing and care business after receiving an ultimatum by a different local authority because of his tweet.
Cllr Lawal was also removed as a trustee from an organisation that helps children get access to green spaces and suspended as an academy council member for Weavers Academy, a state secondary school in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, according to correspondence seen by the Telegraph. His local library said he could no longer host a planned surgery at the venue.
Speaking for the first time since the backlash, Cllr Lawal said: “It is now almost impossible to say something biblically truthful on sexual ethics in U.K. society without being cancelled and having your life ruined.”
He added: “What I said was biblically sound and a protected expression of the Christian faith.
“As the only black councillor in the whole of Northamptonshire, I know what it is like to be in the minority, and I would never discriminate against anyone. I have diligently represented all my constituents; however, I must also be free to express my beliefs without fear.”
Worth reading in full.
Profanity and abuse will be removed and may lead to a permanent ban.