Colchester Magistrates today agreed to adjourn the case of Christian brother, Paul Shaw, who is accused of a public order offence relating to an election address distributed in Colchester calling - in very moderate language - for a review of whether sodomy and other homosexual acts should remain legal. It turns out that a couple of homosexual men complained to the police, leading to a completely over-the-top seach of Paul's flat and confiscation of his diaries in June.
The 'offending' words were in an election address, distributed after Paul had stood for election as an independent but when he thought a new election was imminent. He said:
"I believe for example that homosexual and lesbian acts are immoral and that the law should reflect that; by making them unlawful as they once were; and so acting as a deterrent to such behaviour.
"The concept of homophobia is nonsense and a play on words; it is not and has never been a phobia! A phobia is an un-natural fear; whereas a rejection of perverse behaviour; is a righteous godly fear; that fears to do wrong because it knows that there are consequences and punishment otherwise! This is the most pronounced example of a nation that has lost its way .."
It was the Crown Prosecutor who applied for an adjournment. This was in order, he said, to consider the case in the light of freedom of speech! The Magistrate, District Judge David Cooper, agreed. It turns out that Paul was up before him only a few months ago for preaching on the same subject, and the same thing happened, leading to the CPS withdrawing the case.
PRAY the same thing happens this time.
If you can, please come and support Paul at Colchester Magistrates Court, CO1 1FP on Thursday 23rd September 2010. The case is listed for 9.15am, but be prepared for it to be heard, as today's case was, in the afternoon.
In all, seven brethren came along today at a moment's notice to support Paul and the Gospel, so let us pray for an even bigger witness in four weeks' time!
Please continue to hold up our brother in prayer at this challenging time.
And please PRAY that justice is done and this attack on our historic freedom to preach the Gospel is defeated.
Yours in our gracious Lord's mighty name,
Stephen Green,
National Director, Christian Voice.
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