A gay rights group is to stage a protest at Rochester Cathedral.

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is angry at the Bishop of Rochester’s opposition to an homosexual American bishop attending a key church meeting.

IDAHO will be demonstrating at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday.

The group has branded the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali homophobic because of his opposition to Gene Robinson, a gay American Bishop, attending a conference in Canterbury this summer.

IDAHO also believe he has opposed gay-rights measures such as child adoption by gay partners.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The Bishop can change his religion but, just as he cannot change his skin colour, we cannot change our sexuality. Neither he nor us, nor indeed anyone, should have to suffer abuse, threats or attacks because of such things.”

But the Bishop of Rochester said he respected all people no matter their sexuality.

He said: “I acknowledge and respect the equal dignity of all - regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation There is no place for the harassment or persecution of anyone for whatever reason.

“We are thankful that in this country there is freedom of meeting and expression for all.

“The Bible and the Church teach that the proper expression of our sexuality is in the context of marriage. This has to do with God’s purposes in creating us, respect for persons and the importance of the family as a basic unity of society.”

Medway Police said they were aware of the demonstration. A spokesman said: “We are aware of a planned protest on Saturday and we will police it appropriately.”

May 17 marks the day the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from it’s list of recognised mental illnesses 18 years ago.

The day will also see Kent Police relaunch a telephone line to report homophobic acts.

To report a hate crime committed in Kent call 0800 328 9162.