I was deeply saddened when I heard this news, broadcast on UK television last night. Ian Paisley Junior, an MP for the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, has been criticized by other parties after having stated that he is repulsed by homosexuality and believes they are doing themselves and society harm. Ian Paisley Junior is a Christian and the son of Ian Paisley Senior, Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland. As many of you may know, the UK Labour government - at the behest of the EU, made it a criminal offence for anyone to discriminate against homosexuality. The Sexual Orientation Regulations came into force in Northern Ireland a few months back, despite a majority in this country opposing such laws. Sinn Fein Republican and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness slammed Paisley's comments, stating that they contradict what his office is sworn to uphold, and that is the rights of minorities - which now include the homosexual "community".

Quote: "Mr Paisley is quoted as saying: "I am pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism. I think it is wrong. "I think that those people harm themselves and - without caring about it - harm society. "That doesn't mean to say that I hate them. I mean, I hate what they do."

I personally agree with what Ian Paisley Junior has said, and if the government find that reprehensible, they ought to throw all of us in jail. But I don't believe Ian was wise in saying what he did, especially being an MP, for unfortunately the new laws of this country have made it an offence to "discriminate" against homosexuality in general. And that is what makes me so sad, for I believe this country is now on a slippery slope that will hasten Divine judgement upon it. 

Regarding the governments of the world, the Bible states that we ought to pray for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1st Timothy 2:1-2). Paul actually states, "supplication, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks be made for all men". That covers quite a lot of ground. How often do I pray for Tony Blair, that he might be saved? How often do I thank God that I live in a country that still enjoys moderate religious freedoms? How often do I intercede on behalf of my country when things aren't necessarily going right? It's not always easy to pray for ungodly men, it requires a lot of humility on our part. I know I don't do that enough, if at all. The Lord Jesus said to pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Praying for people we don't necessarily like changes our attitude towards them, for our prayers must agree with God's will and we will start to see people as the Lord sees them - as sinners in need of a Saviour. I really need to start putting that into practice, rather than telling everyone else what to do. Like Daniel, we ought to have respect for earthly authority, no matter how depraved it seems. But sometimes like Daniel, when men's laws start contradicting the Word of God, disobedience to state law may become more important.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Source BBC