A city council’s bid to silence a pro-life campaign has been thrown out of court, in a case that challenged the “fundamental right of citizens to express themselves peacefully in public”.
Judge Richard Owen QC said there was no evidence to support an injunction against the organiser of a 40 Days for Life vigil in Nottingham.
The pro-life group welcomed the decision, saying there would have been “disturbing implications for freedom of speech and religious freedom” had the injunction remained in place.
‘Significant ruling’
Nottingham City Council, which brought the action, claimed people felt “intimidated and distressed” by the pro-life group, and said the judge had “missed the point”.
But vigil organiser Dr John Edwards described the decision as “significant” and part of a wider victory for free speech.
The attempted injunction is the latest in a series of efforts to prevent people from offering assistance to women outside abortion clinics.
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Dr Edwards was served with a ‘no-notice’ injunction on 16 March, following a court decision made in private.
He maintained that volunteers were merely holding signs with slogans such as ‘Pray to end abortion’, and ‘Pregnant? Need help? Ask’.
The campaigner asked why time and public money was being spent on challenging pro-lifers “offering help to vulnerable women”.
He added: “This is no longer just a debate about abortion: the fundamental right of citizens to express themselves peacefully in public is at risk.”
Praying for the unborn
Judge Richard Owen ruled that Dr Edwards’ activities did not come close to illegal anti-social behaviour and said the council should pay all costs.
He also ruled against the legal action being expanded to other group members and rejected holding a full trial.
Earlier this year, Fabian Hamilton MP claimed praying for mothers and their unborn children is a form of “abuse and harassment”.
And both Manchester City Council and Ealing Council have recently taken steps to crack down on pro-life vigils.