An American street preacher has been fined £1000 for telling passers-by in Glasgow that homosexuals will have to face "the wrath of God" and were destined for hell.

When asked about his views on homosexuality he said:
"Homosexuals are deserving of the wrath of God – and so are all other sinners – and they are going to a place called hell."

Shawn Holes, 47, from New York State admitted a breach of the peace. He said he only plead guilty as he wanted to fly home to see his wife and his father who is in a hospice.

Gay-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:
"Shawn Holes is obviously a homophobic bigot and should not be making anti-gay tirades. He should be challenged and people should protest against his intolerance. However, in a democratic, free society it is wrong to prosecute him. Criminalisation is not appropriate.

“The price of freedom of speech is that we sometimes have to put up with opinions that are objectionable and offensive.

“Just as we should have the right to criticise religion, people of faith should have a right to criticise homosexuality. Only incitements to violence should be illegal.

“Mr Holes’s £1,000 fine is totally disproportionate. Even people who commit robberies and assaults often get off with lighter penalties. This prosecution was heavy-handed and an abuse of the legal process.

"If Mr Holes had decided to appeal against either the conviction or the sentence, I would have supported him.”