Alliance Defending Freedom has criticised Avon and Somerset Police for operating a “two-tier” system, after a pastor was arrested for alleged religious hatred.
Pastor Dia Moodley, 58, was preaching in Bristol City Centre in November when he was arrested under the Public Order Act 1986. Police said they had received complaints about the content of what he was saying, which encompassed Islam and gender issues.
Moodley was released on conditional bail, which was later overturned. Last month, two officers showed up at his home to invite him to a “voluntary interview”.
The pastor claims he was being singled out as an “easy target” due to his Christian faith. In March 2025, ADF reported that the pastor was twice threatened with arrest for “breaching the peace”, after preaching about the differences between Christianity and Islam whilst holding a Quran.
“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,” Moodley said.
“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.”
His case is being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, who told Premier Christian Radio that they have genuine concerns about freedom of speech in the UK.
“The peaceful expression of core beliefs should never be criminalised,” said ADF’s Paul Sapper. “It’s the furthest thing from hatred. He loves his neighbour and wants to tell them about Christ.”
Avon and Somerset Police have been contacted for comment.
