West London officials reverse street preaching ban after church pushback

A Pentecostal church in the west London borough of Hillingdon got local officials to reverse a policy dampening street evangelism, according to a Sunday statement from the advocacy group Christian Concern. Hillingdon officials enacted a Public Spaces Protection Order in 2023 that made preaching with amplification, distributing religious leaflets, and displaying Bible verses on posters criminal offenses, according to Christian Concern. The text of the policy makes no reference to Bible verses specifically, though it prohibits the placing of tables, stands, and signage in town centers, as well as the unauthorized distribution of leaflets.

Police would enforce the new policy and may issue a non-compliance fine over $100, the city said. Leaving fines unpaid may lead to prosecution with a fine of up to about $1,100 and/or a criminal conviction, the city added. Local leaders enacted the law under the radar and without proper consultation, Christian Concern alleged. The new policy virtually banned a majority of the Kingsborough Centre in Uxbridge’s outreach ministry, prompting the church to push back on the new ordinance.

What made the local council reverse its policy? The church requested judicial review of Hillingdon’s policy and eventually received permission to appeal to the United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice last August. The church then corresponded with the borough’s council for several months before officials decided to reverse the ban in December. The Hillingdon website will clearly explain that the new policy will not apply to pamphlets distributed for political, religious, or charity purposes, the council said. Local officials also planned to remove the policy’s sections barring the use of amplification and mounting posters. Hillingdon also agreed to cover the church’s nearly $27,000 of legal costs.

Dig deeper: Read my previous report about UK leaders enacting a law banning protests and vigils outside abortion facilities.