by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post
A Labour Party-run council in England has sparked outrage by proposing a sweeping injunction that could imprison Christian street preachers for up to two years over claims of causing “offense” or “distress.”
Rushmoor Borough Council, covering Farnborough and Aldershot, has faced accusations of attempting to criminalize Christians for preaching, praying and distributing Bibles in public spaces.
The council initially applied for the injunction in February, citing complaints about noise, public disruption and distress caused by street preachers. Under the proposed terms, Christians would be banned from praying for individuals without prior consent, handing out religious leaflets or Bibles by hand, and laying hands on people in prayer — even with permission, according to The Telegraph.
The injunction also sought to prohibit approaching individuals to discuss religion and preaching messages that could be perceived as hostile toward protected characteristics such as age, gender or sexual orientation. Violations of the injunction could result in fines, arrests and a maximum prison sentence of two years.
After an intervention by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), street preachers represented by the legal group have managed to temporarily halt the attempts. The council also postponed a court hearing that would have sealed the injunction’s terms.
The council is now reportedly rewriting the injunction while seeking “greater consultation” with local Christians.
The CLC described the proposed measures as “disproportionate and unlawful.”