By Alexandra Sandacz
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

LONDON, United Kingdom – The High Court ruled Transport for London lawfully ban a Christian group’s bus advertisement that suggests gay people could “change their sexuality” because it would “cause grave offense”.

On Friday, a judge found that Boris Johnson, chairman of Transport for London, did not abuse his position last April when he imposed the ban on the advertisement. Johnson denounced the “gay cure” advertisement as “offensive to gays”.

Transport for London refused to carry the Core Issues Trust advertisement because it would “likely cause widespread or serious offence to members of the public”, and it contained “images or messages which relate to matters of public controversy and sensitivity”.

Conversely, the recent court decision is viewed as a defeat for the Core Issues Trust group, a Christian charity. This Christian group funds “reparative therapy” for gay Christians, which it claims can “develop their heterosexual potential”.

Core Issues Trust posted ads on buses that stated, “Not Gay! Ex-Gay, Post-Gay and Proud. Get over it.” Many believe Johnson was “politically driven” when he blocked their ad.

Mrs. Justice Lang ruled that Transport for London’s process in placing the ban “was procedurally unfair, in breach of its own procedures and demonstrated a failure to consider the relevant issues”.

However, the judge stated that the unjust procedure was substantially outweighed by factors, such as, it would “cause grave offence” to those who were gay. It could, furthermore, be perceived as homophobic, “thus increasing the risk of prejudice and homophobic attacks.”

Although Justice Lang said she did not think an appeal would succeed, she acknowledged there were “compelling reasons” to allow one.

Following Justice Lang’s ruling, a Transport for London spokesperson said, “The advertisement clearly breached our advertising policy as it contained a controversial message and was likely to cause widespread offence to the public. This was borne out by the hugely negative public reaction the advertisement generated, including on social media and newspaper websites. We are taking steps to address the Judge’s comments regarding our internal processes.”

A Core Issues Trust spokesman stated, “We are grateful for the opportunity to make an appeal and the recognition of the issues around freedom of speech and conscience. We are particularly concerned about the fact ex-gay minorities are not recognized in the legislation of the Equality Act 2010.”

Gay rights group, Stonewall chief, Ben Summerskill, said, “Many people will be pleased by today’s decision. In a city where over half of gay young people face bullying at school, and where tens of thousands of gay people are subjected to hate crimes every year just because of the way they were born, it’s perfectly proper for a mayor to object to the use of such advertising in an iconic public setting.”

For further information, please see:

BBC – ‘Ex-Gay’ London Bus Advert Ban Ruled Lawful – 22 March 2013

The Guardian — Boris Johnson Ban on Christian ‘Gay Cure’ Ad Did Not Break Law, Court Rules – 22 March 2013

The Independent – Boris Johnson Wins Ruling Over Ban on Christian Group’s Controversial ‘Post-Gay and Proud’ Bus Advert – 22 March 2013

Christian Today – Court Hears Gay Bus Ad Case – 01 March 2013