Evangelical Northern Irish preacher, 78, told worshippers ‘Islam is satanic’: Pastor is charged with spreading ‘grossly offensive’ message that was streamed online

When an expression of religious opinion is criminalized, Britain's entire tradition of religious tolerance and free religious speech is jeopardized

An evangelical preacher who branded Islam 'satanic' is standing trial after being charged with spreading a 'grossly offensive' message online.

James McConnell from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, was charged in connection with a controversial speech he made from the pulpit of the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast in March 2014.

The sermon was streamed online and now the 78-year-old is being prosecuted under the 2003 Communications Act, after saying: 'Islam is heathen. Islam is satanic.'

At Belfast Magistrates today, a DVD of the entire May 2014 service including prayers, scripture reading and hymn singing was played to the court.

Meanwhile, in his opening speech, prosecutor David Russell said the decision to proceed with the case was 'proportionate and necessary.'

Mr Russell said: 'He (McConnell) characterises the followers of an entire religion in a stereotypical way. And that's grossly offensive and that's not protected from saying it from a pulpit.

'It has nothing to do with religion or freedom of expression of his freedom to preach.' [How come?]

The court was told that in a prepared statement given to police during an interview, McConnell said he had not intended to cause offence, insult, arouse fear or stir up tension. He abhorred violence and apologised, the court heard.

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