An attempt to censor material and activity, including that of pro-lifers, on the streets of Belfast has been put on hold after vigorous and determined opposition from individuals and groups, including SPUC, which slammed the proposed legislation as a “blatant attack on free speech”.
Elected representatives agreed this month to reject a proposed alteration to byelaws regarding free speech and public assembly.
As reported by SPUC, the draft proposal required a permit for individuals and groups seeking to engage in activity in the public square. Had the draft been approved, pro-lifers and others would have had their right to free speech and assembly threatened.
Councillor Michelle Kelly, seeking to censor pro-life imagery, said that the public should not be subjected to what she deemed “harmful” and “offensive” pictures used by pro-life activists on the streets.
But other Belfast councillors have rejected Councillor Kelly’s viewpoint.
Sending the draft back to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Alderman Brian Kingston of the DUP said: “There are fundamental issues here around freedom of speech and religious expression. There is also a lack of detail.
“I know it is at an early stage of the process, but people are asking how would this operate? Would decisions be made by council officials or councillors? Would councillors use such a system to silence people who they don’t agree with? Is it about noise nuisance or about censorship?”
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “This is a victory for pro-lifers as well as free speech more broadly, though the attempt to regulate and curtail our fundamental democratic rights is by no means over in Belfast or elsewhere.
“The pushback against this appalling draft shows that people power and a healthy democratic process really can have a positive outcome. But we must not be complacent.
“These proposals will likely return and SPUC will help fight it. We must continue to defend the rights of unborn children and mothers, and remain vigilant against all attempts to censor the pro-life message."
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