Dossier
Coleraine Magistrates' Court
Coverage of Coleraine Magistrates' Court in the Nexus archive.
- Retired pastor, 78, convicted and fined for preaching Bible verse near Northern Ireland hospital
A 78-year-old retired pastor, Clive Johnston, was convicted and fined for preaching a gospel sermon near a hospital in Northern Ireland, sparking concerns about religious liberty and free speech. The conviction was made under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which prohibits influencing or harassing individuals within 100 meters of abortion facilities. Johnston was fined 450 pounds for reading a Bible verse, John 3:16, in a protected zone.