Conviction of Baptist pastor for abortion zone breach 'a chilling development for freedom of speech and religion'
The conviction of a retired Baptist pastor for breaching an abortion protest buffer zone is “a chilling development for freedom of speech and religion” critics have claimed.
Retired Strabane pastor Clive Johnston, 77, was accused of breaching protest buffer zone legislation at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine Hospital on July 7 2024.
The former president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland was convicted for two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act after holding an open-air service opposite the hospital.
He was convicted today in Coleraine Magistrates Court of holding a protest in a protest buffer zone at the hospital and failing to comply with police direction to leave.
The grandfather-of-seven argued that he only preached a simple gospel message and did not mention abortion at any time. He previously told the court that his intention was to “test” the law – not to break it.
However the prosecution case was that his purpose was not to conduct a religious service but rather that his message was a “pro-life, anti abortion one”.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the case raises serious questions about freedom of speech and freedom of religion across the United Kingdom.
Mr Campbell said: “The decision to convict and fine a retired pastor for peacefully preaching a Christian message will concern many people right across the United Kingdom.
“Pastor Clive Johnston was not inciting violence or hatred. He was publicly expressing his Christian faith and speaking about the love of God, yet he has now been criminalised for doing so.
"Regardless of people’s individual views on religion, that should trouble everyone who values free speech and long-established civil liberties.
“This case sends a deeply worrying message about the direction of travel when it comes to freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
"The law must be applied with common sense, balance and proportionality. Peaceful religious expression should never be treated as a criminal matter.
“This should serve as a wake-up call across the UK about the importance of defending fundamental freedoms before they are steadily eroded.
"My colleagues and I warned what would happen if this legislation passed. A person who now speaks publicly within a zone such as this one even when not touching on abortion, as was the case here, is now subject to potential prosecution.”
In another statement, TUV leader Jim Allister MP said the conviction is “a chilling development for freedom of speech and religion”.
He added: “Pastor Johnston was simply expounding the most basic of Biblical texts - John 3:16 - which speaks of God’s love for all the world manifested in Jesus Christ, and for that he has been dragged before the courts and convicted.
“This judgement is a significant rolling back of liberties which have long been taken for granted across the UK and represents an assault on basic freedom.”
His party colleague TUV MLA Timothy Gaston added that the passage of John 3:16 is “the cornerstone” of his faith.
" Like countless people across Northern Ireland and further afield, I can never remember a time when I was not familiar with it. To think that an elderly pastor would be convicted for expounding that simple and yet profound truth is outrageous,” he said.
Mr Gaston said he has asked the Speaker of the Assembly to raise the matter in the chamber on Monday.
“It is important that members across the House have an opportunity to express their views on this deeply concerning development - something which has come to pass not because of a law imposed by Westminster but because of something which was passed by Stormont.
“Today shows how far our Province has departed from Christian principles.”
But Belfast City Council Green Party Councillor Áine Groogan said she was pleased that the law is now being enforced.
It was introduced to NI by Green Party MLA Claire Bailey and passed by the Assembly in 2022.
“Buffer zones were introduced to protect women and pregnant people from harassment and intimidation while accessing healthcare,” Ms Groogan said.
“Everyone has a right to access healthcare and the Supreme Court has clearly said this law strikes the right balance by protecting that right without compromising any other rights. We are pleased that the law ensuring people can access healthcare safely and free from targeted interference is being enforced.
“The law is working as intended and the courts have upheld that position.”