Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly slams pastor conviction as 'attack on free speech'
Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has slammed the outcome of a case against Clive Johnston, a former pastor at Magherafelt Baptist Church, who was brought before the courts “for professing his faith near a hospital”.
The retired pastor, a former President of the Irish Association of Baptist churches, was fined £450 at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Thursday for breaching protest buffer zone legislation at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine on July 7, 2024.
Ms Brolly, the East Derry rep, said in a statement: "I am deeply disappointed and profoundly concerned by today’s ruling against Pastor Clive Johnston — a man the judge himself described as “of strong religious belief and good character” — yet who now finds himself fined for peacefully expressing his Christian faith in public.
"As we have heard, his quiet expression of faith took place within an “abortion safe zone”, despite the fact that abortion was neither mentioned nor referenced in any way. It seems our judicial system is becoming increasingly comfortable with oxymorons here in the North.
“We have also heard endorsements of this ruling from some quarters. Yet many of these same voices will soon return to the public square to advocate for their own causes, exercising the very rights and freedoms of expression they appear content to see curtailed today. We do not have to agree with one another – but surely we must defend the right to speak, to believe, and to express those beliefs.
"Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion are inalienable rights. They are not privileges to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of the state.
“Let us not be under any illusion: this ruling sets an extremely dangerous precedent in the North of Ireland. It represents yet another overreach of power - one that threatens the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Clive for his strength of character, his faith, and his resolve. We stand with him, and with all who have the courage to defend the inalienable rights and freedoms that underpin any truly democratic society."