![]() ![]() That may be so, but I don't trust them." Those last five words were the allegedly 'grossly offensive' speech, for which a retired pastor was facing up to six months in prison.īoth sides argued that context was critical in this case. The prosecution case focused in on this phrase used by the pastor: "People say there are good Muslims in Britain. Had this concession not been made, it seems quite possible that there might have been a different result. ![]() The judge indicated that such comments were in fact grossly offensive in his view, but that he could not convict the pastor based on the prosecution's concession. The prosecution accepted that characterising Islam as 'heathen' and 'satanic' would be theological views protected by human rights legislation (Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights). ![]() The case turned on exactly which words, if any, were 'grossly offensive'. Thankfully for everyone in our society free speech and common sense prevailed. Ultimately this was an important case about freedom of speech and religion, and an attempt by the State to censor a Church sermon. The case attracted worldwide media attention and our press release got picked up in America, Japan and across the UK and Europe. The facts were bizarre, the central character was charismatic and the defence witnesses included a Catholic Priest, Muslim scholar and member of parliament. We have covered the Pastor McConnell case in a number of articles and videos in recent weeks and months on our website. On the 5th January a Northern Ireland Pastor was acquitted of the criminal charges of sending and/or, causing to be sent, a 'grossly offensive' message in a sermon about Islam which was broadcast on the internet. ![]()
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