Pastor Clive Johnston convicted for preaching outside Northern Ireland abortion clinic
Clive Johnston, a 78-year-old retired pastor in Northern Ireland, was convicted under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act for holding an open-air Sunday service outside Causeway Hospital in July 2024, where he preached John 3:16 without mentioning abortion. He was fined approximately $610 and now has a criminal record. Johnston argues the conviction sets a dangerous precedent for religious speech and free expression.
- Daily Wirefirst
- Reason+9.1 h
- NY Post+115.8 h
Lightly covered so far
Too few outlets to map a left-right split. Here is each take as it stands.
“Pastor Convicted For Preaching On John 3:16 Outside Hospital”
“Pastor Found Guilty of Violating U.K. Speech Laws for Preaching John 3:16 Sermon Near Hospital”
“Retired pastor, 78, convicted and fined for preaching Bible verse near Northern Ireland hospital”