Saturday, August 12, 2006
Tory Councillor pleads not guilty
Peter Willows, the Tory Councillor for Hangleton & Knoll entered a plea of not guilty through his solicitor at a hearing at Brighton Magistrate Court today.
It is alleged he made homophobic remarks in front of two prominent members of the LGBT community at a civic function hosted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove in May this year. It is alleged he told them he believed all homosexuals were paedophiles.
The following day Cllr Willows explained to the Argus that he was drunk at the time and issued a statement saying: “I believe LGBT people contribute positively to our society in Brighton and Hove and in the wider world.”
Earlier the same month Cllr Willows had written a letter to the Argus criticising the Council’s decision to fly the rainbow flag on civic buildings to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
He wrote: “Why should any country have to fly a flag because of men sleeping together to have sex?” He continued: “In my world that does not justify flying any flag. It’s an unnatural act.”
Cllr Willows has been charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws language causing alarm, distress or harassment.
The Conservative group has suspended Cllr Willows from his committee work on Brighton & Hove Council but he maintains the party whip.
The trial has been set for Tuesday December 12, at Brighton Magistrates Court.
It is alleged he made homophobic remarks in front of two prominent members of the LGBT community at a civic function hosted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove in May this year. It is alleged he told them he believed all homosexuals were paedophiles.
The following day Cllr Willows explained to the Argus that he was drunk at the time and issued a statement saying: “I believe LGBT people contribute positively to our society in Brighton and Hove and in the wider world.”
Earlier the same month Cllr Willows had written a letter to the Argus criticising the Council’s decision to fly the rainbow flag on civic buildings to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
He wrote: “Why should any country have to fly a flag because of men sleeping together to have sex?” He continued: “In my world that does not justify flying any flag. It’s an unnatural act.”
Cllr Willows has been charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws language causing alarm, distress or harassment.
The Conservative group has suspended Cllr Willows from his committee work on Brighton & Hove Council but he maintains the party whip.
The trial has been set for Tuesday December 12, at Brighton Magistrates Court.
Tory Councillor to stand trial
Peter Willows, the Tory Councillor for Hangleton & Knoll entered a plea of not guilty through his solicitor at a hearing at Brighton Magistrate Court today, Friday August 11.
It is alleged he made homophobic remarks in front of two prominent members of the LGBT community at a civic function hosted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove in May this year. It is alleged he told them he believed all homosexuals were paedophiles.
The following day Cllr Willows explained to the Argus that he was drunk at the time and issued a statement saying: “I believe LGBT people contribute positively to our society in Brighton and Hove and in the wider world.”
Earlier the same month Cllr Willows had written a letter to the Argus criticising the Council’s decision to fly the rainbow flag on civic buildings to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
He wrote: “Why should any country have to fly a flag because of men sleeping together to have sex?” He continued: “In my world that does not justify flying any flag. It’s an unnatural act.”
Cllr Willows has been charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws language causing alarm, distress or harassment.
The Conservative group has suspended Cllr Willows from his committee work on Brighton & Hove Council but he maintains the party whip.
The trial has been set for Tuesday December 12, at Brighton Magistrates Court.
It is alleged he made homophobic remarks in front of two prominent members of the LGBT community at a civic function hosted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove in May this year. It is alleged he told them he believed all homosexuals were paedophiles.
The following day Cllr Willows explained to the Argus that he was drunk at the time and issued a statement saying: “I believe LGBT people contribute positively to our society in Brighton and Hove and in the wider world.”
Earlier the same month Cllr Willows had written a letter to the Argus criticising the Council’s decision to fly the rainbow flag on civic buildings to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
He wrote: “Why should any country have to fly a flag because of men sleeping together to have sex?” He continued: “In my world that does not justify flying any flag. It’s an unnatural act.”
Cllr Willows has been charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws language causing alarm, distress or harassment.
The Conservative group has suspended Cllr Willows from his committee work on Brighton & Hove Council but he maintains the party whip.
The trial has been set for Tuesday December 12, at Brighton Magistrates Court.
