The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) is giving its unequivocal support to OutRage! activist Peter Tatchell who is facing imprisonment over his protest in Canterbury Cathedral earlier this year because of an ancient law protecting religion.
Explaining its support, GALHA’s Secretary George Broadhead said: “It is a matter of principle. We strongly object to this infringement of free speech and the blatant exercise of religious privilege.
“Just as blasphemy law was successfully used by Mrs Mary Whitehouse to prosecute Gay News in 1977, the 1860 Ecclesiastic Courts Jurisdiction Act is being invoked now to prosecute a gay man for engaging in a peaceful protest against religious homophobia and discrimination.
“It is quite wrong that the Church should enjoy exclusive protection against protest. If the protest had occurred in any public place other than a church, the charge, if any, would have been a breach of the peace. No other institution is granted such unique and sweeping powers to suppress dissent.”
Together with its kindred organisation the National Secular Society, GALHA is calling for the repeal of the 1860 Act as being incompatible with a democratic society.