A gay protest at Rochester Cathedral attracted only three demonstrators.

International Day of Homophobia (IDAHO) had hoped 10 to 15 people would turn up to demonstrate against the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir Ali, over gay issues.

But the group said bad weather put off others joining in plus a fear of being exposed to homophobia.

Group member Ray Duff said: “We are disappointed at the turnout and I think there was also apathy, but I think there is also a problem of background homophobia."

Idaho is angry at Bishop Nazir Ali's opposition to a homosexual American Bishop, Gene Robinson, attending a key church conference in Canterbury.

But the Bishop said: “I acknowledge and respect the equal dignity of all – regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. The Bible and the church teach the proper expression of our sexuality is in the context of marriage."

Full report in Monday's Medway Messenger