Issued on behalf the Christian Legal Centre
Press Release
For Immediate Release
24 March 2009
Victory for Pro-Life Abortion Campaigners facing Police suspension
Supporters of ‘Helpers of God’s Precious Infants’, a group of pro-life campaigners, have been granted police permission to continue peaceful vigils outside abortion clinics. A prayer vigil held by the group in Twickenham on 26 July 2008 was disrupted by police following an alleged complaint from the clinic.
The vigil took place at 12noon on 26 July. No more than 3 group members were outside the clinic speaking to women entering whilst the rest of the group were on the pavement opposite when they were approached by the Police and told that they must stop the vigil. A police car and police van, both with sirens on, led the protesters to believe they were responding to an incident at the clinic. It later transpired that the Police were responding to an alleged complaint from the clinic. The police threatened, in a hostile manner, to arrest anyone who would not stop counselling.
HGPI protestors wished to resolve issue before planning another event. The group suspended vigils in Twickenham whilst they awaited reply to a complaint sent by Rose Docherty to an inspector at Twickenham Police Station. More than two weeks later the group received a letter warning them that should notify the police in advance and that conditions may be placed on the vigil, and further conditions would be placed at any time.
On the 19th of March 2009, the Christian Legal Centre received a letter from the Metropolitan Police stating that HGPI would be allowed to continue their vigils without the need for police attendance.
Michael Philips, a solicitor working with the Christian Legal Centre which has been advising the protesters, said: “It has taken Twickenham Police eight months to come to the logical and legally correct view that in a democratic society, people must be able to peacefully campaign, even outside an abortion clinic. The heavy–handed action taken by officers last July was unnecessary, disproportionate and inappropriate and the protestors are simply grateful that common sense has prevailed.”
ENDS.
For further information:
Michael Philips: 0773 9094499
Andrea Minichiello Williams (Founder CLC): 07712 591164