A Christian singer was recently accused by a London special constable of singing gospel music “outside church premises.” The Metropolitan Police Department indicated that the officer’s track record of arresting Christians who were silently praying may have encouraged him, and that he was currently investigating the matter.
Harmony London is a 20-year-old gospel singer who performs around the British capital and regularly shares videos of pedestrian reactions to her music on social media. On Sunday, she shared a video of a very different kind, showing MPS special constables cracking down on her melodic expression of faith.
The video begins midway through the controversy over a performance on London’s Oxford Street.
“Religion is allowed anywhere,” London tells the constable.
identified According to LBC News, she will play the role of volunteer officer Maya Hadjipetkova.
“No, girl, by the way, it is not allowed to sing church songs outside the church premises,” says Hadjipetkova. Although Hadjipetkova is a voluntary special constable, she has the same powers as a real police officer.
“You are, you are,” the singer replied. “Aren’t we allowed to sing church songs outside of church?”
“Outside the church or church grounds,” the officer said. “Unless you have permission from your church to sing this type of song.”
“That’s a lot of garbage. It’s allowed,” London insists.
The video flies to London, where a police officer paces Hadjipetkova as she tries to leave.
“Are you saying you don’t care about human rights law?” London asks. “Are you laughing?”
Instead of answering, the special constable sticks his tongue out at London.
MPS
Confirmed It said the incident happened in “Oxford Street, Westminster over the weekend” and suggested police were “working to understand the context in which these comments were made”.
after that
statementLondon Police said they were reviewing more than 40 minutes of relevant footage and that the issue may have been “specific by-laws relating to busking”.
daily mail
report Westminster City Council, which has jurisdiction over the Oxford Street area, has implemented a “light touch licensing system” that allows buskers to perform in designated areas with a license.
“The officer recognizes that he could have responded differently and is in discussion with his manager,” the Metropolitan Police added.
harmony london
Said According to the Daily Mail, she was singing “Amazing Grace” when she was interrupted, and had not received any complaints before her encounter with the officer.
”[Hadzhipetkova] He literally marched up to me and stood in front of me and said stop the music right now. She literally laughed at my human rights,” London said. “She wasn’t interested. She admitted, she knew, and another police officer also acknowledged that you have religious freedom and freedom to express yourself.”
“I sing gospel to the glory of God. I literally follow the Bible and just share the good news. It’s just an opportunity to witness to non-believers,” London continued. . “I don’t approach people. I don’t force people to listen. When I sing, they can choose to listen. And if they don’t, they choose to move on. A huge crowd formed and they were literally begging, police, please leave me alone.”
Ms London said the ordeal had left her feeling “very humiliated and small”.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, an organization that daily advocates for the rights of Christians and other vulnerable people, said in an email that one of her favorite things to do on her commute is to listen to Harmony. “Hearing the beautiful worship of the Lord.”
“She blesses tens of thousands of others in the same way, bringing harmony to the streets,” Williams said. “We need more of this, not less. It’s shocking that she was treated this way.”
Claire Pearsall, a political strategist and former adviser to the UK Home Office, told Talk TV: “Should police really be telling people not to sing, not to pray, not to think? ?Why not?” Don’t they go deal with real crimes? ”
Former Conservative MP Anne Widecombe
Said Premiere Emotional Breakfast, “I think we should take very firm action against this person, especially for sticking out his tongue. It’s unprofessional, it’s a gesture of disrespect. And obviously… She doesn’t really know the law, and she definitely does.” It seems like she doesn’t know the law. ”
MPS said it was “working to understand the context in which these comments were made”, but Widecombe said the damning video speaks for itself.
“I would have thought there was no need for the police to understand the context,” said the conservative politician. “They have the video, so now they can see what she said. Is what she said right or wrong? And if it’s wrong, they need to take action.” there is.”
“I think what it really shows is that there are people in this country who have issues with Christianity that they don’t have with other faiths,” Widecombe added.
according to According to the Daily Mail, Hadjipetkova moved from Bulgaria to Cyprus and then the UK and has since taken up work as a barista when she’s not jet-setting around the world. She reportedly did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
In response to the huge backlash online, the MPS wrote: “We are aware of the serious comments made on social media. Some of the comments are personal and hurtful. This is unacceptable.”
Efforts by lawmakers to shame critics were unsuccessful. Since then, various British commentators across the political spectrum have ridiculed this “unacceptable” claim.
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