In Summer 2006 American evangelist Nicky Cruz was prohibited from speaking to a group of disadvantaged youths when Hackney Council made an abrupt decision to cancel his speaking arrangement for fear that his views on homosexuality would cause offence.
“Although this decision by the Council clearly breaches the right to religious freedom under British law, what we really want is a commonsense decision from the local officials to allow Nicky Cruz to speak and to tell the young people of East London about the way God can turn negative lifestyles into ones that will benefit our society.” (Andrea Williams, Director, Christian Legal Centre and Christian Concern For Our Nation)
Lawyers at the Christian Legal Centre corresponded with the council outlining the need for them to reconsider their position. The Council relented, allowing Mr Cruz to give his talk.