The PSNI has asked the Parades Commission to examine whether the annual Gay Pride parade in Belfast, now in its 15th year, should go ahead as planned following complaints by a number of Christian evangelicals.
The Stop the Parade group has demanded that the parade on August 6th be banned because it is "immoral" and because a number of the participants allegedly engage in "offensive" behaviour.
The commission, which can reroute the parade or impose other restrictions but cannot ban the parade, is to make a decision on the matter at the end of July.
Evangelical Christian Jonathan Larner said homosexuality was contrary to the law of God. "The Bible is very clear on homosexuality. It is sinful and immoral. We oppose what we believe is the promotion of a sinful and immoral lifestyle."
"We do not hate these people. We believe they can be delivered from sodomy by repentance and by faith in Jesus Christ," he added.
Mr Larner said the Stop the Parade group felt compelled to oppose the Gay Pride march because "homosexuality has eternal consequences".
One of the Gay Pride organisers, Andy Thompson, said the parade was always peaceful and colourful and brought tourism and trade to Belfast.
Dr Alasdair McDonnell, the SDLP MP for South Belfast, said the parade should go ahead as planned.
"Belfast's future has to be as an open, prosperous and cosmopolitan city, where everyone feels welcome and certainly the Gay Pride parade complements this image."
