Court to hear Christian radio advert ban case

A Christian radio station has been allowed to go to court to challenge a ban on an advert which asked Christians to report experiences of workplace marginalisation.

The Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) banned the ad from being aired, ruling that it was “politically motivated”.

But Premier Christian Radio rejects that, saying the ad addresses a legitimate issue faced by Christians.

Marginalised

The ad was due to air during May 2010 in order to inform debate during the general election campaign. It said: “Surveys have shown that 60% of active Christians are being increasingly marginalised in the work place.

“We are concerned to get the most accurate data to inform the public debate. We will then use this data to help make a fairer society.”

The station was initially denied leave to challenge the ban in court, but that decision has now been overturned.

Victory

Peter Kerridge, chief executive of Premier Christian Radio, said: “This is a victory for Christians across the UK who have time and again had their values and beliefs quashed by a liberal secularist agenda.

“In addition the English legal system has not protected the basic, fundamental human right of freedom of expression of religion and belief.

“Premier Christian Radio, a voice for Christians across the UK, has succeeded in challenging this.”

He added: “It’s just ironic that, being a Christian radio station, addressing a mainly Christian audience, that the advert we wanted to air was ever an issue.”

Important

Tom Ellis of Aughton Ainsworth, the solicitors representing Premier, said: “I am very pleased with the result.

“The case raises some very important points of principle for Christians and the case will now proceed to a full hearing before the High Court.”

The advert was for the Christian Communications Partnership, the publishing arm of Premier Media Group which also owns Premier Christian Radio.

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