Trial Set for Former Pastor Over Abortion Zone Preaching

A former pastor from Britain is facing trial this Wednesday on criminal charges linked to preaching in a designated abortion buffer zone. Clive Johnston, 76, has been charged under Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services Safe Access Zones Act after conducting a religious service near Causeway Hospital in Coleraine on July 7, 2024, where he referenced John 3:16.

The accusations state that Johnston violated a law established in 2023 by holding what prosecutors describe as a “protest” near a location where abortions are performed, allegedly affecting individuals who were protected under the law. Additionally, he is charged with not vacating the area when instructed by law enforcement.

According to the law, any form of “anti-abortion protests” or related actions are prohibited within 100 to 250 meters of any abortion provider’s entrance.

The Christian Institute, a UK-based organization focused on religious freedoms, is part of Johnston’s defense. They argue that the service held by Johnston, which did not mention abortion and had no anti-abortion signage, is an example of how the law could be misused to stifle the preaching of the Gospel in the UK.

Simon Calvert, a deputy director at the Christian Institute, condemned Johnston’s prosecution, stating, “To prosecute Reverend Johnston for simply sharing the message ‘God so loved the world’ near a hospital on a quiet Sunday is a disturbing sign of increasing restrictions on religious freedom and speech.” He emphasized that while Christians support pro-life views, spreading the Gospel should not be equated to protesting against abortion.

Calvert raised concerns, stating, “If the gospel can be banned in this public place, where else can it be banned?” Notably, Johnston’s Sunday service took place a significant distance away from the hospital entrance, with more than a dozen attendees present.

Should he be found guilty, Johnston faces the potential for a criminal record and financial penalties amounting to thousands of pounds. His court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.

In a statement, Johnston expressed gratitude for the support he has received, noting “the warm messages” and prayers from fellow Christians. He looks forward to presenting his case in court.

During a preliminary hearing in March, Johnston pleaded not guilty to the charges of trying to “influence” those using the hospital’s abortion services and for failing to leave when requested by police. His attorney, Aaron Thompson, argued that the buffer zone law infringes on religious expression protections provided under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Johnston is not alone in facing legal repercussions related to this law. Earlier this year, 74-year-old Rose Docherty was arrested for attempting to speak with women considering abortion patients within a similar buffer zone. Although the charges against her were initially dropped, she was arrested again for another incident shortly after.

Police in Northern Ireland have noted that they do not comment on specific individuals involved in criminal cases. The Crown Prosecution Service did not provide immediate feedback regarding Johnston’s situation.