GAY groups in Bournemouth believe a Christian publication is trying to organise a "revenge" march against the gay community next month.

Jonathan Spencer, store manager at the Clone Zone Ltd, discovered that a rally is being organised for October 16, after a customer showed him a copy of July's Christian Voice newsletter.

Mr Spencer, who is a Christian himself, said: "I know of some Christians who have received e-mails about the march and are concerned that the organisers may be looking for an easy target for their homophobia."

A copy of the Christian Voice newsletter article, which was posted on the Christian Voice website, represents a rallying cry for Christian groups to celebrate the memory of Harry Hammond.

Mr Hammond was a preacher who died of natural causes after lodging an appeal against Wimborne Magistrates' decision to fine him £300 for a public order offence in The Square.

The article says: "Why should Christian preachers be intimidated by Bournemouth's large homosexual community, which objects to hearing about its sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Harry Hammond Day will be a public demonstration that Christians will not be scared off any part of the United Kingdom by evil men.

"We can not stand by and wave them goodbye as they sail away in to hell."

Stephen Green, the national director of Christian Voice, said: "The people of Bournemouth need to hear the gospel. They ought to hang their heads in shame to tolerate what goes on in the town."

At last Friday's meeting of Bournemouth's lesbian and gay community in Boscombe, Chief Superintendent Bob Boulton stressed that there would be a police presence if the event goes ahead.

PC Martin Strange, Bournemouth's lesbian and gay liaison officer, said: "The message that is being circulated is causing a bit of ill feeling."

First published: Sept 9