Forum & Discussions

https://www.preciouslife.com/campaigns/112/protect-free-speech-campaign/

Only 4 weeks left. Belfast City Council has outlined proposals to create bye-laws to effectively BAN pro-life groups and street evangelists from the City Centre. The council have stated the aim of their bye-laws is to STOP Pro-life displays and religious preaching in the city centre, which they describe as an "unacceptable nuisance". These draconian bye-laws are supported by the following anti-Christian and pro-abortion parties in Belfast City Council... ● The Alliance Party, ● Green Party, ● People Before Profit, ● SDLP and ● Sinn Féin. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH? ● Any person or group who wants to set up a stall with free information leaflets or speak in a public place, will be forced to pay a fee to obtain a permit. However, the permit will only be issued to people and groups if the “nature of their activity" is approved by Council. And even those who are granted a permit will be forced to comply with the Council’s "conditions" or have their permit refused or revoked. Anyone setting up an Information Stall or using amplification equipment without a permit will be handed fines of £500. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR OTHER GROUPS? ● While specifically targeting pro-life stalls and street preachers, the proposed laws will be so broad and far-reaching that ANY person. group or campaign with a public presence should be concerned, eg: Buskers; Animal Rights Groups; Families raising awareness or seeking justice on deaths of loved ones; etc. Street Pastors and Churches or Charities will be restricted in the assistance they can provide for vulnerable people in the city - eg: the homeless or those suffering from addictions, or young people requiring help from the 'SOS' buses - as the Council will not issue permits for any activities in the City Centre between 11pm – 11am. ‼️TAKE ACTION ● Belfast Council is asking the public for their views on the proposals ahead of the bye-laws being approved and rolled out across the City centre. The Public Consultation period runs until 4th March 2024. Please respond to the Public Consultation and tell Belfast City Council that you want them to uphold and protect religious liberties, and the fundamental human rights of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. Precious Life have produced guidance notes on how to respond to the Consultation. ⬇️ preciouslife.com/campaigns/112/… #ProtectFreeSpeech

Merry Christmas everyone!