On this day: Christian couple arrested for Islam conversation
On 20 March 2009, a Christian couple were arrested and accused of committing a ‘hate crime’ for allegedly criticising Islam in a discussion with a guest at their hotel.
With the help of The Christian Institute, it became an important case for free speech, particularly the freedom to share the Gospel.
Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang’s five minute conversation with a Muslim lady was calm and polite and included discussion over whether Jesus is the Son of God or a prophet of Islam.
But the guest later complained to the police, leaving the then owners of a Liverpool hotel shocked when they were arrested and later charged.
‘Scary’
The couple were accused of a ‘religiously aggravated public order offence’ under Section 5 of the Public Order Act (1986).
The couple denied using ‘threatening, abusive or insulting’ words, but if they had been found guilty they faced a maximum fine of £5,000.
We will get you. We will smash you up. We know where you live.
As a result, a nearby hospital, which had routinely referred patients to stay at the hotel, ceased to do so, leading to an 80 per cent fall in the hotel’s income.
The couple were also subject to “scary” threats, with Mr Vogelenzang describing them as “saying things like, ‘We will get you. We will smash you up. We know where you live.’”
‘Wonderful result’
A two-day trial at Liverpool Magistrates Court saw Judge Richard Clancy dismiss the case and criticise the police for their handling of the incident.
From the minute The Christian Institute came into our lives we felt we were on safe ground.
After being vindicated, Ben and Sharon said: “Without The Christian Institute’s Legal Defence Fund we would have been totally devastated, lost and destroyed.
“They carried us right the way through. From the minute The Christian Institute came into our lives we felt we were on safe ground. They took a lot of weight off us.”
Reform Section 5
After their experience, the couple joined widespread calls for the word ‘insulting’ to be repealed from Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
Under pressure from the Institute and the Reform Section 5 campaign, the term was removed from the legislation in 2014; another victory for free speech.