Police won't charge Auckland pastor who made anti-gay remarks
Thursday, 17 August 2017
Police will not be charging an Auckland pastor who said gay couples deserved a bullet in the head.
A police spokesperson said on Thursday they had finished making inquiries into a video of Logan Robertson, pastor at Westcity Bible Church in Avondale, making 'concerning comments' and would not be charging him with an offence.
'Police have considered the appropriate legislation and sought a legal opinion on the matter and we are not in a position to pursue the matter any further as no criminal offence has been committed.
'We have taken extra precaution with this case given the individual's comments. This has included discussing with him the safety of our community and his personal safety.'
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Robertson confirmed Police had visited his house on Wednesday.
'They were never thinking of charging me, I've done nothing wrong,' he said.
'It's called freedom of speech.'
Robertson shared his strong views on gay marriage during a service, which was filmed and published online in July.
He said that his view on 'homo marriage' was that it was never mentioned in the Bible.
'So I'm not against them getting married as long as a bullet goes through their head the moment they kiss.'
Robertson said he had received supportive emails and messages from around the country after the video had gone public.
On Wednesday Detective Senior Sergeant Marcia Murray signalled police intended to speak with Robertson.
'We recognise that members of our communities will be concerned and fearful about those comments and we would like to make it very clear that we are treating this matter very seriously.'
Westcity Bible Baptist Church is an independent church founded by Robertson.
On the church's website it said it had a 'love for the lost and a vision of reaching the lost souls of Auckland'.
The church is reported to have a membership of about 40 people.
PASTOR'S LONG HATE SPEECH HISTORY
In the most recent video, published on Sunday, Robertson said he did not believe women should be allowed to vote.
He also said newly appointed Labour leader Jacinda Ardern should leave parliament and 'get in the kitchen where women belong'.
Both videos were published on YouTube and shared on the church's Facebook page.
Human Rights Commissioner Jackie Blue said Robertson's speech had no place in New Zealand.
'Those who preach hate and violence are out of touch with everything it means to be a New Zealander,' Blue said.
'We pride ourselves on defending human rights. To use this language is not only hateful and shameful, it is un-Kiwi and has no place here.'
In 2014, Robertson was slammed by the leader of the Baptist Union of New Zealand after he said he would pray for a gay man to kill himself.