![Skedding02x390](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/skedding02x390.jpg?id=32722314&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The Toronto couple who was allegedly being targeted by a group of street preachers say the story just isn't true.
Blair Chiasson, who lives in the home with his partner Paul Collins, said the story has spiraled out of control, and has come to the defense of the members of the Highfield Road Gospel Hall.
"I just want this to stop" he said in the Toronto Star. "Stop discussing it. Stop talking about it. It's really kind of spiraling out of control."
Chiasson added that the group probably only convenes in front of their house because the hire hydrant in front prevents cars from parking there.
--
Members of the Highfield Road Gospel Hall say they are not homophobic, after they were accused of loudly reciting Bible verses outside a gay couple's house on a regular basis for seven years.
Followers of the church, based in Toronto, said they have never targeted specific houses or people based on sexual orientation, according to the National Post.
The group, armed with Bibles, assembled Sunday morning for their regular meeting on the street. However, this week about 10 residents chased them off the block, captured in the video below.
One unnamed church member told the National Post that the church has been doing the street preaching for 70 years and that they are not homophobic.
"You know, we're very sorry that this has happened. We're hurt that this has been misconstrued," he said. "If they feel they're being targeted, we feel sad about that. They're not being targeted. ... We're there for everyone to hear the gospel. We're not there to preach to just one house. That would be discrimination."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Dannii Minogue is proud to embrace her status as a gay icon
September 05 2024 6:09 PM
JD Vance lies about Tim Walz and trans kids while courting the far right
September 05 2024 6:04 PM
The Runway of Dreams Foundation to revolutionize fashion with accessible design at NYFW
September 05 2024 5:48 PM
Sade's first new song in years will grace trans-focused album and honor her son
September 05 2024 3:37 PM
Mike Rogers is the anti-LGBTQ+ extremist running for U.S. Senate in Michigan
September 05 2024 3:32 PM
Judge partially halts Idaho’s anti-trans care law
September 05 2024 2:30 PM
Female couples are helping to keep Portland queer
September 05 2024 1:27 PM
How 'Skincare' tackles women's aging, consent, and othering a queer-coded Latino
September 04 2024 8:00 PM
Here are the 25 transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year
September 04 2024 3:35 PM
Ben Platt marries Noah Galvin in New York celebration
September 04 2024 3:15 PM
53 years ago, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became the first same-sex couple to wed
September 04 2024 2:27 PM