Jehovah's Witnesses post 'anti-gay' 'Harness Your Habits' leaflet in North Devon
North Devon Journal, UK/September 2, 2016
Devon and Cornwall Police have said a leaflet posted through doors in North Devon isn't a crime – despite it advising gay people to "control their urges".
The leaflet, entitled "How to Harness Your Habits", was distributed in North Devon by Jehovah's Witnesses and contains an article asking "What does the Bible say about homosexuality?"
In it, the religious group states that "rejecting homosexuality" is completely different to "rejecting people of a different skin colour" and says their views are the same as people who "view smoking as harmful and even repugnant".
The Journal was contacted by a reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, who felt "belittled" by the leaflet.
"I completely respect other peoples' beliefs and people who disagree with homosexuality because of their religion do not bother me," she said.
"But when people actively seek you out to force their beliefs upon you and tell you that what you are doing is wrong then that does upset me.
"They have encroached on my life by forcing their literature into my home and belittled my relationship and my life."
Using passages from the Bible as, the text also says: "A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings towards anger, adultery or greed."
However, it also says "the Bible does not encourage prejudice, hate crimes or any other kind of mistreatment of homosexuals".
Devon and Cornwall Police looked at the leaflet and stated: "We have been made aware of some religious materials which have been distributed in North Devon.
"Whilst it doesn't appear to meet the threshold to be considered a crime, these have been passed on to our Diverse Communities Team to look into."
But Matt Horwood, senior communications officer for national LGBT charity Stonewall called the leaflet "damaging vitriol".
"It perpetuates the myth that you cannot be of faith while also being part of, or supporting, the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community," he said.
"Stonewall will continue its work with faith communities to ensure that all LGBT people are accepted without exception in their place of worship and within their own faith communities."
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