In the last few weeks, Birmingham City Council have brought in two Public Space Protection Orders in Birmingham. You can find them here.
The first prevents the use of amplification and musical instruments in certain streets in the city centre. It will affect street preachers as well as entertainers and buskers. Our concern is that this may lead to future extensions both in terms of the areas covered and the types of restrictions.
The second is focused on street traders and prevents distribution of literature. Officially this is meant to not apply to those involved in religious and political activities providing they don’t impede in the movement of others. However, I’ve already heard of one Christian group that has been fined for having a book table.
The surprising thing is that whilst these orders have received attention in the secular press, they still don’t seem to have been picked up on by Christian media. It is possible that it’s because as yet we haven’t seen really eye catching incidents of the kind where a preacher is arrested and removed, protesting from the scene. However, it is perhaps these more subtle examples that whilst not directly aimed at Christians are likely to have a longer term impact on public freedoms.
Faithroots 