All cases
Fines for Criticising Homosexuality OK for European Court of Human Rights
February 9, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)A Swedish law foreseeing prison sentences for criticising the homosexualist agenda in public was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights which has ruled that there it was not in violation of freedom of expression. Four people were fined for a distributing leaflets.
Irish Bishop Investigated After Upsetting Humanist in Homily
February 2, 2012, IrelandBishop Philip Boyce of the Raphoe diocese in northwestern Ireland was investigated by the police for “hate crime” after arguing that the Catholic Church in Ireland is under attack from “aggressive secularism”.
University Motion Orders Human-Life-Defending Groups to Invite Pro-Abortion Speakers
January 31, 2012, United KingdomThe students’ union of University College in London has passed a motion to officially make the campus “pro-choice” and to impose a “restriction of freedom of speech”.
Pro-Abortion Attack Pro-Life Activists at Barcelona Hospital
January 27, 2012, SpainPeaceful pro-life protesters against abortions at Barcelona Catholic hospital were attacked by pro-abortion counter-demonstrators, some of whom reportedly threw rocks and trash and shouted obscene insults.
Attacks against Gender-Mainstreaming Information Event at Student Fraternity
December 6, 2011, GermanyGerman writer Gabriele Kuby spoke at the student organisation KDSTV Saarland in Jena on December 6th on the issue of Gender Mainstreaming. Due to her critical take on current developments in this regard, the association “Diversity Life” (“Vielfalt Leben”) convened about 30-40 demonstrators who gathered in the stairway of the building, yelling, knocking at the doors, throwing eggs. The police had to clear the building. “Diversity life” had been supported by the working group “Queer Paradies” as well as by the “coordinating body of the city programme of Jena and contact office of the round table for democracy” (“KoKont”).
Prefecture Prohibits Pro-Life Manifestation, Allows Left Wing Counter Protests
November 19, 2011, FranceThe French Christian pro life group "SOS Tout-petits" registered a manifestation against abortion to take place on Nov 19th in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon. Even though the request for the permit came in due time, the prefecture withdrew the permission last minute. Reasons given were that the manifestation could be a disturbance of the public order and safety could not be guaranteed. At the same time, pro-choice groups which had organized a counter manifestation, and who had violently attacked the pro-life group during previous manifestations were allowed to hold their manifestation by walking around the hospital.
(Scotland) Former Leader Becomes Victim of Religious Discrimination
October 31, 2011, United KingdomFormer Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage after Mr Wilson had responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea.
Pro-Life Side-Walk Counsellors Condemned by Court
October 25, 2011, AustriaOn October 25th, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to payments between 350 and 6200 Euro.
Demotion and 40% Pay Cut After Critizing Gay Marriage on Facebook
October 24, 2011, United KingdomAdrian Smith (Christian, 54, father of two) of Manchester was demoted by his employer Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust after making a comment regarding the controversial plans of the ministers that could allow same-sex couples by law to „marry“ in Church although the Church of England refuses to participate.
Police Visits Christian Cafe for Display of Bible Passages
September 30, 2011, United KingdomUK, Blackpool: Jamie Murray, Salt & Light Coffee House's owner, has been visited by the Lancashire Police and threatened for the display of Bible versicles on a TV screen inside his property. The police told Murray that the Bible passages use offensive, insulting words, and this constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The officers warned Murray that if he didn’t stop, he could be prosecuted for hate speech. The coffee house TV screen connected to a DVD displays images with no soundtrack from "Watchword Bible", which contents verses from the New Testament.
Left Wing Extremists Violently End Pro-Life Rally in Düsseldorf
September 30, 2011, GermanyLeft-wing extremists prevented a pro-life group from showing a short movie about the development of the human embryo on the square in front of Düsseldorf’s main railway station.
Pro Life Manifestation Attacked
September 17, 2011, FranceThe Christian pro life group "SOS Tout Petits" was attacked by pro-choice and anti-Christian activists during a manifestation in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon while praying peacefully.
Major Social Media Sites ‘Actively’ Censor Christian Content
September 15, 2011, InternationalA new study has found that Google and other major social media sites such as Facebook have “actively” censored Christian and conservative viewpoints. The report examined the policies and practices of several major Internet-interactive “new media” communications platforms and service providers, including Apple and its iTunes App Store, Facebook, Google, and others.
(Jersey) Post Refuses to Deliver ‘Offensive’ Bible CD
September 15, 2011, United KingdomPostal workers in Jersey refused to deliver audio recordings of St Mark’s Gospel after deeming it “offensive material”. Several churches clubbed together to pay for 45,000 CDs to be produced to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. A copy of the recording was due to be delivered to every household on the Channel Island of Jersey. But church leaders were left reeling after Jersey Post claimed that the CDs could offend people and refused to deliver them.
Poznan Medical University Breaks Previous Agreement to Host Reparative Therapy Conference
September 6, 2011, PolandA reparative therapy conference, which aims to help people who struggle with same sex attraction, was denied to use of the Medical School Foundation (UM) facilities in Poznan, Poland. The conference, featuring psychologist Dr. Joseph Nicolosi of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), received criticisms from Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, and it was after them that UM decided not to host the event. Gazeta Wyborcza highlighted that the American Psychological Association (APA) has concerns about the effects of treatment for same-sex attraction.
Politican Plans to Sue Physicians for Offering Therapy for People Struggling With Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction
August 29, 2011, GermanyVolker Beck, member of the German Bundestag (parliament) and speaker on human rights issues of the Green party, has launched an initiative to engage the German Medical Association against the German Union of Catholic Physicians (BKÄ). On their website, the BKÄ provides informations about therapeutic options in case of unwanted same-sex attraction.
Christian Media Ad Banned By Authorities
July 27, 2011, United KingdomThe media group Premier Christian Radio's advertizment on the marginalization of Christians in the workplace was banned by the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) for being “politically motivated”. Even though the ad was modified and redone several times, RACC upheld the ban.
Ban on Faith-Based Pregnancy Conflict Counselling in Freiburg and Mannheim
June 30, 2011, GermanyIn Freiburg, the Agency for Public Order restricted access around the entrance area of Pro Familia (an organisation which offers pregnancy conflict counseling including the option of abortion) for counsellors of the faith-based nonprofit association „Centre of Life - Helpers of God’s Precious Infants“ (Lebenszentrum - Helfer für Gottes kostbare Kinder e.V.) The aim of the associaton is to encourage and support expecting mothers in conflict to give birth to their child by offering differents kinds of support.
Sidewalk Counselling Prohibited in Munich
May 31, 2011, GermanyThe local authorities in Munich (Kreisverwaltungsreferat, KVR) have prohibited all pro life activity in front of Germany’s biggest abortion clinic (Dr. Friedrich Stapf, 4000 abortions per year) and called the so-called side-walk counselling a serious impropriety („grobe Ungehörigkeit“) to be punished by a fine of 500 €.
Anti-Pope-Campaign Sues Pope at International Tribunal
May 16, 2011, InternationalThe campaign “Calling the Pope to Account” sued Pope Benedict XVI at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity. The charges are: “the preservation and leadership of a worldwide totalitarian regime of coercion, which subjugates its members with terrifying and health-endangering threats; the adherence to a fatal forbiddance of the use of condoms, even when the danger of HIV-AIDS infection exists; and the establishment and maintenance of a worldwide system of cover-up of the sexual crimes committed by Catholic priests and their preferential treatment, which aids and abets ever new crimes”. The campaign is supported by posters and a book publication.
Teacher Dismissed for Showing a Film About Abortion
March 31, 2011, FranceA French history teacher was permanently dismissed for showing his students a video on abortion and talking about French abortion law.
iPhone Christian Applications Removed
March 31, 2011, InternationalApple suppresses diversity of belief by shutting down two Christian iPhone applications claiming that the were “offensive to large groups of people”, and the support of traditional marriage, family, and life “expose[d] a group to harm” and delivered “hate speech”.
Italian School Rejects Cardinal’s Visit
March 17, 2011, ItalyAn Italian school from Genova, Pertini-Diaz, rejected Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco’s visit. The spokesperson for Pertini-Diaz expressed concerns about the pastoral purpose of the visit, and the security staff that the cardinal would bring along with him. The Pertini-Diaz school would however welcome a non-pastoral visit.
Christian Pro Life Activist Sentenced for Expressing His Opinion
January 25, 2011, GermanyMr. Günther Annen demonstrated in front of the abortion clinic of Dr. Karl-Heinz Jordan twice in August 2010, displaying a sign which said: „Why does Dr. Karl-Heinz Jordan kill unborn children?“ He was sentenced for insult to a penalty of 1500 € by the Darnstadt public prosecutor's office on Jan. 25, 2011.
List of Attacks Against Christian Sexual Orientation Group
December 10, 2010, GermanyAt a meeting on Freedom of Religion of OSCE/ODIHR in Vienna on Dec 9 and 10, the spokesperson of Wüstenstrom, a Christian NGO representing people with unwanted same-sex attractions, summarized a series of intolerance and attacks against them and their work. Find here the full text of his intervention.
Mental Health Worker Threatened With Sack After Sharing Opinions About Post-Abortion Syndrome
December 1, 2010, United KingdomChristian Mental Health worker suspended after talking to colleague informally about abortion risks and told „never to do this again“ and reinstated only several weeks later.
Activists Force Spanish Cardinal to Cancel Lecture
December 1, 2010, SpainRadical groups forced the Archdiocese of Madrid to cancel a speech of Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela scheduled to be held at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Head of Belgian Catholic Church Could Face Charges of Homophobia For Controversial Speech
November 2, 2010, BelgiumMsgr. Leonard faces accusations of homophobia for expressing controversial positions on the causes of HIV/AIDS.
Humanists Campaign to Stop the Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Because it Says that God Created the World
October 7, 2010, United KingdomBHA (British Humanist Association) has called on the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, North Somerset Council, Visit Britain and South West England to shut down the zoo. The secular group claims that the zoo is misleading tens of thousands of visitors annually and ‘threatening public understanding’ by questioning the traditional view of evolution.
Pro Life Abortion Protestors Arrested
August 10, 2010, United KingdomTwo Christian pro-life protesters were arrested twice by Police in Brighton and await the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to see if they will face a Criminal Prosecution.
100,000 Euro Fine For Christian Broadcaster
July 1, 2010, SpainSpain's government fined the Christian television network 100,000 euros for running a series of advertisements in favor of the family and opposing homosexual lifestyle.
English Footballer Prevented From Mentioning Religion
June 17, 2010, InternationalA Football Association official prevented a prominent footballer for England’s World Cup team from talking about his Christian faith to reporters during a press conference.
Case Against Turkish Christians Ongoing Despite Lack of Evidence
June 11, 2010, TurkeyTurkish attorneys now in fourth year of prosecuting two Christians for allegedly slandering Islam; despite the lack of any concrete evidence to support their claims, Turkish courts are continuing prosecution.
Police Tell Christian that it’s a Crime to Say Homosexuality is a Sin
June 8, 2010, United KingdomA moderate Christian preacher, Andy Robertson, was wrongly told by a police officer Gainsborough, Lincolnshire that it is a crime to publicly express the religious belief that homosexual conduct is sinful.
Street Preacher Arrested for Comment on Homosexuality as a Sin
May 12, 2010, United KingdomStreet Preacher Dale McAlpine was arrested after stating to a passersby that homosexuality was a sin. After seven hours in a police cell, McAlpine was released. (video footage available!)
(Scotland) Street Preacher Arrested and Fined £1000 In Glasgow After Night in Jail
March 19, 2010, United KingdomA street preacher has been arrested and fined £1000 in Glasgow for telling passersby, in answer to a direct question, that homosexual activity is a sin. He was sentenced for “homophobic remarks…aggravated by religious prejudice.”
Street Preacher Arrested Over Comments About Homosexual Activity
February 19, 2010, United KingdomA district judge has thrown out the case against another street preacher, Paul Shaw, who was arrested on February 19 in Colchester over comments he made about homosexual activity.
Report Published: 84 Pages of Incidents of Marginalisation of Christians
December 31, 2009, United KingdomThe Christian Institute published a report called "Marginalising Christians", cataloguing numerous cases of Christians being sidelined by public bodies, popular media, employers and facing barriers to public funding.
Polish Catholic Magazine Fined for Anti-Abortion Editorial
December 31, 2009, PolandIn 2009 the Roman Catholic Polish magazine, Gosc Niedzielny (Sunday Visitor) was fined nearly €25,000 for an anti-abortion editorial.
Christian Couple Arrested After Offending Muslim Woman
December 9, 2009, United KingdomA Christian hotelier couple who expressed their Christian beliefs to Muslim guest during a discussion of religion were subsequently arrested for disrupting public order. Charges were later dismissed.
Gay Students Disrupt Lecture At Cologne University
December 7, 2009, GermanyHomosexual students disrupted a lecture of Protestant philosopher Prof. Edith Düsing at Cologne University. The students made noise and used kissing and banners due to her support of a manifesto in May 2009 protesting the cancellation of an academic lecture at a psychology congress on grounds of the speakers’ research on healing homosexuality.
(Scotland) Christian References Removed from Christmas
November 13, 2009, United KingdomScotland town eliminated all references to Christmas, an address by a Christian minister, and the traditional nativity from its annual holiday celebration.
Christian Woman Investigated by Police on Grounds of Her Views
November 2, 2009, United KingdomChristian woman of Norwich complained about a gay pride march in letter to police upon which she was investigated on hate crime.
Manchester Street Preacher Questioned by Police
August 15, 2009, United KingdomFreedom of speech is being challenged in the case of Miguel Hayworth, a Christian street preacher in Manchester, UK who was silenced by police after publicly reading a passage from the Bible discussing homosexuality.
Freedom of Speech Impeded / Anti-Christian Slogans on Posters
May 24, 2009, GermanyGerman Gay and Lesbian Association in opposition to two speeches on Psychotherapy congress on whether sexual orientation could be changed if wished for. Speeches had to be delivered with police protection. Anti-Christian counter-demonstration portrayed Jesus as a pig nailed to the cross and used slogans such as: “We are here to hurt your feelings.”
Parliament Liberals Table Anti-Pope Amendment
May 7, 2009, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Liberal Group in the European Parliament tabled an amendment to the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World condemning Pope Benedict XVI's anti-condom statement.
Nurse Fired For Religious Advise In a Role Play Training
May 1, 2009, United KingdomAnand Rao, a nurse with over 40-years of experience, has been sacked after he suggested two people playing patients might go to Church and pray during a role play session on a training course.
Parliament Issues Formal Protest against Pope's Statement on Condoms
April 27, 2009, BelgiumThe Belgian Chamber and Senate overwhelmingly approve of two decisions that formally condemn the pope for having stated that the distribution of condoms will not help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The pope’s position is called a “crime against humanity."
Violent acts at ProLife-Demonstration in Münster and Infringments on Freedom of Assembly and Expression
March 31, 2009, GermanyIn March 2009, more than 100 participants of an unannounced counter-demonstration partially blocked a pro-life organisations, the so called 1000-crosses-march, in Muenster (Münster). The chairman of the pro-life organisation Euro pro Life, Wolfgang Hering, responsible for the march, had been surrounded by a large number of tourblemakers. Only under threat of coercive measures by the police, he was released by the attackers.
(Academic Community) Liberal Harvard Scholar in Public Cross-Fire for Agreeing with Pope
March 29, 2009, InternationalLiberal Harvard scholar Edward Green strongly attacked in public for agreeing with Pope in saying that the distribution of condoms will not prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.
Archbishop’s Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith
March 27, 2009, United KingdomAn employee at a Christian ‘homeless’ charity, whose Patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, was suspended for answering questions about his faith to a colleague at work.
School Receptionist Faces Dismissal over Prayer Request
February 12, 2009, United KingdomA five-year-old girl was reprimanded for talking about her faith at school and her mother, Jennie Cain, who worked part-time at her daughter’s school, was investigated for professional misconduct and faced disciplinary action. The school has settled out of court.
London Homelessness Prevention Officer Suspended for Mentioning Faith
January 29, 2009, United KingdomA homelessness prevention officer with Wandsworth Council has been suspended from work for nearly two months for encouraging a homeless woman with an incurable medical condition to look to God for help.
College Removes Christmas and Easter from Calendar
September 16, 2008, United KingdomYorkshire Coast College renamed its school breaks without reference to Christian holidays in an effort to ensure diversity- Christmas and Easter no longer appear on the college’s calendar.
Street Preacher Asked to Stop Activity
September 15, 2008, United KingdomThe St Edmundsbury Borough Council told open air preacher, Brian Dee, who had been preaching in the marketplace in Bury St Edmunds for over 10 years, that he was not allowed, under a local bye-law aimed at reducing litter, to distribute tracts. A strongly worded letter was sent to the Council warning that Mr Dee had a right to preach and distribute tracts and if the Council continued to interfere with his rights legal action would be taken. The Council backed down conceding that there was no evidence that Mr Dee had caused a litter problem and accepted that he could continue preaching and distributing tracts.
Birmingham Street Preacher Awarded £4,250 in Damages After Being Wrongly Arrested and Handcuffed by Police
September 1, 2008, United KingdomIn summer 2008 Anthony Rollins, a street preacher in Birmingham, was arrested after expressing the Bible’s teaching on same-sex relationships. On December 8th 2010, he was awarded £4,250 in damages.
Police Officer Discriminated Against for Traditional Values
July 9, 2008, United KingdomPC Graham Cogman has taken his police force to an Employment Tribunal on grounds of harassment because of his traditional Christian values after a series of complaints and investigations suggesting he is ‘homophobic’ – something he strenuously denies. He says that the ‘over the top’ promotion of homosexual rights within Norfolk Police makes being a Christian policeman, or an officer with traditional family values, extremely difficult, unless a person is prepared to ignore his or her conscience.
Iris Robinson MP investigated by police for using the Bible’s language about homosexuality
June 30, 2008, United KingdomPolice investigated Northern Ireland MP Iris Robinson for expressing her religious beliefs about homosexuality on a BBC radio show. Officers from the ‘serious crime branch’ of the Police Service of Northern Ireland held interviews about the incident.
Police Tell Christians: "You can’t Preach here, this is a Muslim Area"
February 28, 2008, United KingdomA police community support officer (PCSO) told two church workers in Birmingham, “You can’t preach here, this is a Muslim area”. The incident happened as Arthur Cunningham and Joseph Abraham handed out Christian tracts on Alum Rock Road.
Pope's Visit to University Cancelled
January 17, 2008, ItalyPope's visit to University La Sapienzia was cancelled because of anti-Catholic protests and false accusations that the Pope is not supportive of scientific discovery
Police Investigate Leaflet Advertising Church’s Easter Services
June 22, 2007, United KingdomChurch worker Julian Hurst, was handing out invitations for his church's Easter service. Police seized the literature after complaint by homosexual man that church should not be allowed to advertise.
Bishop in Court for Criticing Homosexual Behaviour
April 15, 2007, BelgiumIn April 2007 André-Mutien Léonard, then the Roman Catholic bishop of Namur gave an interview in the weekly magazine Télé Moustique, where he was asked his opinion on homosexuality. In his answer he referred to Sigmund Freud and deduced that homosexuality was essentially psychological in nature. The court cleared the bishop - but the fact that he went through trial is of great concern.
Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes
September 1, 2006, United KingdomStephen Green, 55, national director of the evangelical organization Christian Voice, Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes Opposing Homosexuality in South Wales, UK.
Anti-abortion Campaigner Jailed
May 1, 2006, United KingdomAnti-abortion campaigner jailed for sending abortion photo and video to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK. He was subsequently denied urgently needed hip treatment.
Christian Church Leader Imprisoned for Organizing Bible Study
March 30, 2006, BelarusSergei Shavtsov was arrested and jailed for 10 days for organizing a meeting on Christian history and Bible issues without an official permit.
Christian Couple Interrogated on Their Christian Convictions
March 19, 2006, United KingdomThe retired couple Joe and Helen Roberts were interrogated by police officers after they complained about their local council's gay rights policy on the grounds of their Christian belief that homosexual practices are morally wrong.
State TV Censures Critical Comment
February 1, 2006, AustriaAustrian public broadcast ORF deletes a polite comment from an online debate which criticises the mainstream. Vienna, Austria.
MSP Patrick Harvie Reports Archbishop to the Police for Defending Marriage
January 13, 2006, United KingdomMember of the Scottish Parliament asked Strathclyde Police to investigate remarks made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow. The Archbishop had defended the institution of marriage in a church service.
Family Campaigner Interrogated
December 1, 2005, United KingdomFamily campaigner Lynette Burrows interrogated after radio statement in London.
Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"
January 26, 2005, FranceFrench member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.
Christian Student Union Reported to Police for Hosting Speaker With Traditional Biblical View on Homosexuality
February 26, 2004, United KingdomThe Christian Union of the University of Cambridge was reported to the police after the distribution of 12,000 copies of St John's gospel to students and the lecture given by Phillip Jensen, the Dean of St. Andrew´s Cathedral, in Sydney, Australia, on the traditional biblical view on homosexuality.
Police Investigate Anglican Bishop Because He Said Some Homosexuals Changed to Heterosexuality
November 12, 2003, United KingdomThe Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary in November 2003 after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality. The police passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to prosecute.
Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality
June 20, 2003, SwedenPastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.
Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity
December 31, 2002, SwedenNew law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.
Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence
April 1, 2002, United Kingdom(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.
Pastor Jailed for Expression of Pro-Life Opinion
March 11, 1998, GermanyPastor jailed for calling an abortion specialist “professional killer” and “torturer” in Erlangen.
Dutch MP Fined for Critical Comment on Homosexuality
December 30, 1996, NetherlandsA politician was fined in the first instance for hate speech in criticizing homosexuality. Even though the court of second instance lifted the sentence, the hypersensitivity of the first court is a worrying sign.
Attempts to Silence Bishop for Voicing His Opinion About Gender Ideology
January 1, 1970, SpainThe Spanish political party, the United Left, presented a motion to the regional Parliament to convict the Bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, for having spoken out his opinion on gender ideology. According to the motion, the bishop’s weekly pastoral letter entitled “Gender ideology breaks the family” was an acute case of discrimination. The motion, signed by spokesman Francisco Tejada, called on the government of Andalusia to “launch the legal mechanisms in the context of their power to prevent cases of abuse and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”
British Street Preachers under Pressure after New Legislation Passed
January 0, 0000, United KingdomMore and more Evangelists in the UK, who preach on public streets are being prosecuted or are facing allegations due to the opinions they expressed. Due to the insecurity to know what can be or not be said, street preachers, but also comedians, secularists and LGTBT activists "came together (in 2013) against the criminalisation of “insulting” words or behaviour under the same Public Order Act. Referencing decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, they argued that freedom of speech did not only apply to information or ideas favourably received but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the state or any sector of the population. And they were successful. The removal of “insulting” from section 5 of the Public Order Act was heralded as a great victory which would prevent street preachers, comedians and peaceful protesters from facing unlawful arrest and legal uncertainty".