A man carrying cans of spray paint to be used to paint slogans on the rainbow crossing in the main street is arrested by police yesterday. Police had been warned of the church group’s intentions.Pictures by Paul Rickard
A man carrying cans of spray paint to be used to paint slogans on the rainbow crossing in the main street is arrested by police yesterday. Police had been warned of the church group’s intentions.Pictures by Paul Rickard
Police made several arrests in Gisborne’s city centre yesterday afternoon when Destiny Church members attempted to spray-paint slogans on a repainted rainbow crossing.
Vehicles containing church members pulled up either side of the crossing between Grey and Bright streets and attempted to blockade the road at around 4.15pm.
Police, whohad been warned of the church members’ intentions, immediately moved in.
Five people involved were handcuffed and taken away, including senior church leader Leighton Packer, whose arrest was met with large cheers and applause from rainbow community members and supporters present.
A witness said there was no real violence in the protest but some gave minor resistance as police led them away in handcuffs.
The section of road was blockaded by police as they cleared the scene.
The newly painted crossing was unscathed.
Church members spray-painted the crossing white on Monday night in protest at a drag queen event for people 16 years and over being held at HB Williams Memorial Library on Tuesday.
