Book chain Waterstones cancelled a planned reading by Mr Jones to launch his new book "darkness is where the stars are" after protests from Christian Voice and others. Mr Jones has now accepted an invitation from Mr. Black to give his reading in the Assembly on Thursday December 11 at 12 noon in Committee Room 24.
"Stephen Green and his supporters have every right to object to the contents of this book, but they do not have the right to prevent other people reading it or listening to its author read from it. After appearing with Patrick on a radio-phone-in, I decided to invite Patrick to come to the Assembly to do a reading here.
"Art can only thrive when artists are free to express themselves. I'm pleased that we have found a way to ensure that people can hear Patrick's poems and make their own on them.
"Patrick's work The Guerilla Tapestry was read at the celebration to mark the opening of the Assembly. I'm sure many people will look forward to hearing his latest work in the next month."
