MANAGERS of a charity-run community hall have turned down a request to stage a gay disco over fears the event could offend religious groups on Good Friday.

Jason Hudson, from St Agnes, wanted to book the village's Miners' and Mechanics' Institute (MMI) for the April 2 event under the name Gay Pride Productions.

Mr Hudson, who hoped to run regular dance nights in the hall, said he was initially told he could use the venue but the booking was then cancelled by the chairman of the committee who said it was "unsuitable" for the hall.

"I was told that it wasn't the right kind of event – but salsa and aerobics are, I suppose? The bar is empty most nights and I explained this would attract custom. She then said it was bad timing saying a gay event would upset people in the village celebrating Good Friday," said Mr Hudson.

"The original purpose of the club was for the betterment and education of the people of St Agnes, but now it seems to be for a select few. Does she think there are no gay people living in the village? I'm sure they will feel offended by the suggestion that a gay dance night may somehow upset people," added Mr Hudson, who has now been given the go-ahead to stage the event at Qdos in Truro.

In a statement, the MMI chairman Dawn Brown said the hall did not have a late licence and was in a built-up area, making it unsuitable for a late night dance event.

"I admit I had personal reservations as the date is Good Friday. Although the strict licensing hours which applied on Good Friday have been relaxed in our increasingly secular society, the sensitivities remain, and St Agnes has a large and active Christian community whom I would not wish to upset," said Mrs Brown.

'Homophobic'

She also said the organisation had to "think of its image" but denied suggestions that it was anti-gay, saying: "We want to create a family-centred venue. We don't want the bar full one night if it drives away custom the rest of the week and the community."

She further claimed she believed Mr Hudson perceived the people of the village to be homophobic, because his advertising literature did not say it was an event aimed at the gay community.

In response Mr Hudson said the booking was made in the name Gay Pride Productions.

"I was open with them from the start. It was always billed as a gay event. I feel this is discrimination – it's ridiculous in this day and age," he said.