Christian Councillor challenged BBC freedom of speech ‘ban’

Councillor Alan Craig of the Christian Peoples Alliance challenged the BBC over its decision to change the CPA’s political party broadcast speech just days before it was due to be aired. The CPA, which objects to proposals for a London ‘mega mosque’, believed that the Islamic group planning to build the mosque were ‘separatist’ and that ‘moderate Muslims’ supported the CPA’s decision to oppose the mosque. The BBC had quoted Mr Craig describing the group as ‘separatist’ on three earlier occasions. However, the BBC asked the CPA to change the script so that the Islamic group were described as ‘controversial’ and so that ‘Muslim leaders’ rather than ‘moderate Muslims’ were recognised to be supporting the CPA’s decision.

Paul Diamond, representing the CPA, argued in court that the BBC had unlawfully restricted the CPA’s freedom of expression and had put pressure on the CPA to deliver a diluted version of the speech. Although the case was unsuccessful, we thank God for the CPA’s courageous stand and for the positive media coverage.

Links to media coverage

Christian Today: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christian.london.mayoral.candidate.takes. To.bbc.itv.to.court.over.censorship/18344.htm

Times: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3835551.ece