Conservative Christian groups 'furious' after 'Jesus' makes appearance at Belfast Pride

A depiction of 'Jesus' during this year’s Belfast Pride parade has provoked strong condemnation from conservative Christian groups, who have labelled the act “blasphemous” and “deeply offensive.”

The image, shared by Progressive Politics NI before being hastily deleted, showed the joyful Jesus-alike posing with two people: one draped in a trans flag, the other dressed as an angel with a rainbow halo. Frankly, it looked like the cover of a queer gospel album - and we’d buy it.

TUV Equality Spokeswoman Ann McClure was not amused. “This is extremely offensive to Christians,” she said, before adding that “there would have been no question of Mohammed being mocked in such a fashion."

McClure also questioned the role of public institutions such as the BBC and the Civil Service in supporting Pride events, urging them to consider their obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, which includes protections for religious belief.

While the image has sparked debate, many LGBTQ+ advocates have defended the display as a form of expressive freedom and a celebration of inclusion. Supporters argue that Pride has long been a space for challenging traditional power structures - including religious ones - and for reclaiming symbols that have historically been used to marginalise queer people.