Two Christians have gone on trial for protesting outside an abortion clinic in Brighton.
The trial of Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane got underway yesterday and will continue until next week.
The pair belong to the Abort67 campaign group and were arrested last year for showing images of aborted babies during a peaceful demonstration outside Wistons BPAS abortion clinic.
The images were deemed to be in breach of section 5 of the Public Order Act, which criminalises causing harrassment, alarm or distress to the public.
It was the first time police took action against members of the group, which had been protesting outside the clinic for five years.
Stephenson and Sloane are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre.
CLC chief executive Andrea Minichiello Williams said: “This is a crucial test case for freedom of speech on the issue of abortion.
“The pictures are distressing because abortion is distressing.
“Freedom of speech is one of our most precious freedoms. If we limit discussion of abortion we are censoring a critical debate on an issue which affects hundreds of thousands of lives.”
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary
Most Popular
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.