Farage Backlash Over Support For Anti Gay Preacher 2026

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and MP for Clacton, is facing widespread criticism after publicly backing a street preacher who has described homosexuality as an “abomination” and warned that gay people face eternity in hell. The controversy erupted after Colchester council sought a banning order to limit the preaching of Stephen Clayden, leader of the Bread of Life church. Farage recorded a video with Clayden, assuring him he was “fully on your side” and offering to enlist help from the Free Speech Union, a move that has drawn sharp rebukes from political opponents and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

The Preacher and His Statements

Stephen Clayden’s street preaching has included inflammatory remarks about homosexuality. In a video posted on social media, he is heard saying: “All adulterers, all fornicators, all sodomites, all drunkards, all thieves, all blasphemers, all liars, all mockers. Their home shall be in the lake of fire.” He also told passersby that the Bible describes homosexuality as an “abomination” and “vile, disgusting and wicked”.

Clayden’s Bread of Life church has previously targeted Pride Week events in Essex, where he declared that homosexuality is “a sin so wicked and detestable it was worthy of death”. These statements have been condemned as homophobic and hateful by human rights organizations, which argue that such rhetoric incites discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Farage’s Response and Political Fallout

Nigel Farage has not directly condemned Clayden’s remarks. Instead, he framed the issue as one of free speech and religious liberty. In the video, Farage discusses the banning order with Clayden and questions whether Christianity is experiencing a revival in the UK. He did not respond to requests for comment from the Guardian, and the video remains on his YouTube channel.

A Labour Party spokesperson criticized Farage, stating: “Time and time again, Nigel Farage finds himself in the company of extreme voices. Farage should have called out these grim homophobic remarks and condemned them. Instead, he is throwing his support behind the individual peddling them, so that he has a bigger platform to spew them some more.” The spokesperson added that this incident “shows Farage and Reform stand for division and are not on the side of working people.”

Free Speech vs. Hate Speech

The case raises complex questions about the boundaries of free speech. While the UK legally protects religious expression, it also prohibits speech that is deemed harassing or threatening toward protected groups. Colchester council’s application for a banning order suggests that Clayden’s preaching crossed that line, particularly given its explicit targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Legal experts note that the UK’s Public Order Act 1986 and the Equality Act 2010 provide frameworks for balancing free expression with the right to live free from harassment. In this context, Farage’s blanket support for Clayden—without addressing the homophobic content—has been seen as a tacit endorsement of discriminatory views.

Broader Implications for Reform UK

This controversy comes at a sensitive time for Reform UK, which has been trying to broaden its appeal beyond its anti-immigration base. Farage’s alignment with Clayden risks alienating moderate voters and LGBTQ+ supporters. It also echoes previous incidents where Farage has been accused of associating with extremist figures, including those linked to far-right groups.

Political analysts suggest that Farage’s strategy may be to consolidate his core support among socially conservative Christians and free speech advocates. However, this approach could backfire if it reinforces perceptions that Reform UK is a party of division rather than inclusion.

FAQ

What exactly did Stephen Clayden say about homosexuality?

Clayden described homosexuality as an “abomination”, “vile, disgusting and wicked”, and said that those who engage in it are destined for “the lake of fire”. He also stated that homosexuality is “a sin so wicked and detestable it was worthy of death”. These statements were made during street preaching sessions in Colchester and at Pride Week events in Essex.

Why is Nigel Farage supporting him?

Farage has framed his support as a defense of free speech and religious liberty. He recorded a video with Clayden after Colchester council applied for a banning order to limit his preaching. Farage offered to connect Clayden with the Free Speech Union and assured him he was “fully on your side”. Farage has not commented on the specific homophobic content of Clayden’s sermons.

What legal action is being taken against Clayden?

Colchester council has applied for a banning order under the Public Order Act to restrict Clayden’s street preaching. The council cited concerns about the volume of his preaching and the content of his messages, including his warnings against homosexuality. The case is expected to be heard in court, where a judge will decide whether the restrictions are justified.