This attempt to silence Christian street preachers was a serious threat to religious freedom

Last month, Rushmoor Borough Council sought an injunction at Aldershot and Farnham County Court that would have imposed draconian restrictions on Christian Street preachers in Aldershot and Farnborough. Though the Council ultimately withdrew the application - following strong opposition from Christian Concern, concerned councillors, and the street preachers themselves - the very attempt sets a concerning precedent.

The draft injunction was so extreme, many preachers initially believed it couldn’t be genuine. Among the proposed restrictions:

• Bans on amplification for preaching.
• Prohibitions on singing, shouting, or even praying aloud in public.
• A requirement for prior consent before approaching someone to discuss religion or pray with them.
• A ban on distributing religious literature by hand.
• A vague and subjective prohibition against any preaching deemed “hostile” in relation to protected characteristics under the Equality Act.

Had it been enacted, the injunction would have effectively criminalised key aspects of Christian evangelism, including prayer and Bible-based preaching - core expressions of faith, modelled directly in the Book of Acts and central to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

This attempted injunction flies in the face of well-established legal protections under the European Convention on Human Rights which protect freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, including speech that may “offend, shock or disturb”.

There is also a wealth of domestic and European case law affirming that the right to speak—even provocatively—is essential in a democratic society. If the Council had genuine concerns about specific conduct, existing laws (such as those covering harassment or public order) were already available to address them—without resorting to blanket censorship.

This attempted injunction was not merely an overreach. It was a direct assault on the liberties that underpin our democratic society

Equally concerning was the Council’s lack of transparency and failure to follow due process. There was no meaningful engagement with the street preachers or wider community and the Council appears to have encouraged secret reports against street preachers since 2023, fostering an atmosphere of suspicion and surveillance.

The Council focused its case on a handful of isolated incidents—16 reports over 16 months, many involving individuals from outside the area or behaviour unrepresentative of local preachers. One example cited was a preacher allegedly posting a negative review of a pub.

In other words, the Council constructed the most oppressive legal response imaginable—based on the weakest of evidence.

From the start, Christian Concern, through its legal arm the Christian Legal Centre, stood alongside the street preachers. We have trained them in UK freedom of speech law and best practices, and supported them through coordinated legal and community action. They, in turn, have strengthened themselves through prayer, accountability, and ongoing dialogue.

The gospel has never been silenced by opposition—in fact, challenges like these have historically refined, not weakened, the Church’s resolve.

Thanks to the swift action of Christian Concern, the preachers, and local supporters—and the public attention generated—the Council now recognises the serious error of judgment it made. A meeting is now scheduled between the Council and the preachers to explore constructive and lasting solutions.

This attempted injunction was not merely an overreach. It was a direct assault on the liberties that underpin our democratic society. Freedom of speech—and especially religious expression—is not a privilege handed out at the discretion of local authorities. It is a fundamental right, protected by law, and hard-won through centuries of struggle.

We must remain vigilant and prayerful, and continue supporting efforts to ensure that the public square remains open to the gospel and to the free exchange of ideas.

Please pray for genuine dialogue, for public awareness to grow, and for boldness and grace among those called to speak truth in our streets.