Evangelical Pastor James McConnell (78), from Newtownabbey, was charged for a controversial sermon in where he allegedly labelled Islam as being “satanic”. However, the pastor was found not guilty.
At Belfast Magistrates' Court, District Judge Liam McNally stated, “The courts need to be very careful not to criminalise speech which, however contemptible, is no more than offensive. It is not the task of the criminal law to censor offensive utterances. Accordingly I find Pastor McConnell not guilty of both charges.”
It is said that the pastor had allegedly described Islam as a “doctrine spawned in hell”, and that he did not trust Muslims.
After walking out of court as a free man, the pastor said, “I am very happy. The only regret I have is the response from the Muslim community- that I was out to hurt them. There was no way I was out to hurt them- I wouldn't hurt a hair on their head. But what I am against is their theology and what they believe in.”
