The tension comes in the wake of last weekend's Pride demonstration, when a participant in the parade was spotted carrying a placard that read 'Jesus is a fag'.

East Belfast DUP councillor May Campbell said the placard was " provocative" and called for an end to further gay and lesbian community parades in the city.

But, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association spokesman PA Maglochlainn rejected the criticism.

"Belfast Pride claims to promote respect for diversity yet such a blasphemous, provocative placard was carried during the Gay Pride parade in Belfast," said Mrs Campbell.

"Whether the organising committee sanctioned the placard, or simply turned a blind eye, questions must be raised by those funding such events and the Parades Commission should be looking into the need for restrictions on any further parades.

"Christians all over the province, and indeed, the world will be disgusted by this slur. If such provocative claims were made against Mohammad, Muslims would rightly be up in arms."

She went on: "It is about time those who regulate such public displays clamp down on those continually attacking Christianity and the Christian values of this country."

Mr Maghlochlainn, however, who confirmed that the contentious banner had been displayed during the parade, defended the right to freedom of speech.

"Someone participating in the parade was holding the placard. I defend the right of that person to carry it," he said.

"To not allow someone to carry such a placard would restrict freedom of speech and religious freedom. The DUP shouldn't be so ready to shout blasphemy."