January 27, 2014

The following excerpts are from the article “Significant Victory …” on the Core Issues Trust website: … “In April, just before the 2012 London Mayoral Elections, the Christian charity, Core Issues Trust, was to run its Bus Advertisement Campaign. It, therefore, came at a time when the Conservative Party was courting the LGBT vote in an attempt to ditch what it called the ‘toxic’ history of the Party and seek new supporters. The Government was also concluding the consultation over its controversial policy on same sex marriage.”

“The Bus Advertisement Campaign by homosexual campaign group, Stonewall, stated ‘Some People Are Gay. Get Over It!’. In response, Core Issues Trust, led by Dr Mike Davidson, agreed with the Advertising authorities to run a Bus Campaign saying ‘Not Gay! Ex-Gay, Post-Gay and Proud. Get over it!’.”

“However, despite pre-authorisation of the advertisements, the Mayor of London personally intervened at the politically sensitive time and banned the adverts.”

Motive

“In the judgment in the lower court Mrs Justice Lang had ruled ‘If the motive of the decision was to advance Mr Johnson’s election campaign, at the expense of a proper exercise of TfL’s powers and duties, this would call into question the lawfulness of the decision.’” …

“In his judgment on the Appeal case handed down this morning Sir John Dyson [Para 37, 38] said: ‘The difficulty is that there is now in evidence an email which unequivocally states that the Mayor instructed TfL to pull the advertisement’”….

… “Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre which has supported Core Issues Trust said: “The effect of such a ruling means that the past and present campaign being run by Stonewall breaches Transport for London’s Advertising standards and is illegal. Stonewall knows this but has brazenly decided to pursue its agenda.”

“In a mature democracy both sides of a debate should be heard but it seems that Boris Johnson, Transport for London and Stonewall are intent to shut down the Christian side of the debate by fair means or foul.”

Relief

“‘It is a great relief that the Master of the Rolls has ruled to hold to account arbitrary use of the exercise of power by a public authority’.”

“Core issues Trust is represented by leading Human Rights barrister Paul Diamond, Standing Counsel to the Christian Legal Centre.”

Related UK video of Andrea Williams and Dr. Mike Davidson discussing the bus advertisement ruling on ITV: January 31, 2014 & January 27, 2014