Christian Pastor Arrested for Preaching on Islam and Transgender Issues
A 58-year-old Christian pastor was held for eight hours by Avon and Somerset Police after allegedly inciting hatred with his comments about Islam and transgender ideology. Pastor Dia Moodley was released on bail with strict conditions banning him from preaching in Bristol city centre during the busy festive season.
Outrage Over Free Speech Crackdown
Moodley was arrested last November in Broadmead under suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” via the Public Order Act 1986. Police slammed his speech as “anti-Islam and transgender rhetoric.” But the pastor insists he was merely sharing his Christian beliefs openly.
After the initial preaching ban, police lifted the city centre restrictions following Pastor Moodley’s appeal. However, officers then visited his home in early January for further questioning and invited him for a voluntary interview under caution.
Legal Clash Brewing as Pastor Fights Police Actions
Backed by ADF International, a legal rights group, Moodley is preparing to challenge the police over what he calls repeated violations of his free speech rights. He awaits word on whether formal criminal charges will be brought.
This is not the first run-in with Avon and Somerset Police. In March 2024, officers threatened to arrest him twice on “breach of the peace” charges for preaching Christianity and Islam while holding a Koran. During that episode, Muslim bystanders physically attacked Moodley and one man threatened him with a knife — yet no arrests were made.
Following those incidents, police ordered the destruction of Moodley’s preaching signs. Critics accuse the force of cracking down on the pastor while ignoring assaults against him. Moodley said:
“This latest arrest has had a profoundly negative effect on me and has been extremely challenging personally. I am a law-abiding citizen and it feels surreal that the police have criminalised me so harshly and repeatedly merely for peacefully expressing my Christian views in the public square.”
He added that his heart condition made the situation even more difficult, saying:
“Unfortunately, I believe that the police view me, a Christian pastor, as an easy target and are afraid of others being offended by my lawful speech. This is two-tier policing in action.”
Calls for Parliamentary Action to Protect Free Speech
Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF International, blasted the police operation, stating:
“Pastor Dia’s arrest for peacefully commenting on Islam and transgender ideology shows police are using public order laws to enforce de facto blasphemy laws in the UK.”
He pointed out a worrying pattern of police targeting Moodley while ignoring serious crimes committed against him:
“This is far from an isolated incident. Avon and Somerset Police have long targeted Pastor Dia for his peaceful expression and failed to investigate attacks against him.”
Igunnubole urged Parliamentary intervention, saying:
“Pastor Dia’s case shows how authorities can twist peaceful religious comments into criminal offences. We need clearer laws that robustly protect free speech.”
Moodley insists most encounters during his street preaching are positive, even with those who disagree, arguing his words are religious dialogue, not hate speech.
What Happens Next?
The police investigation is ongoing. Moodley’s voluntary interview under caution will decide if prosecutors press charges under the Public Order Act.
ADF International warns they will mount legal challenges if charges move forward, keeping the spotlight on the heated debate over free speech and religious expression in the UK.
So far, Avon and Somerset Police have declined to comment on their decisions or on their failure to arrest those who threatened or attacked Pastor Moodley.
