Clive Johnston, a 78-year-old retired pastor from Derry, Northern Ireland, was fined £1,000 by the Londonderry Magistrates’ Court in October 2023 for delivering a religious message near a hospital entrance, an act deemed a breach of public order legislation. The conviction, which followed a 2022 incident, has drawn attention to the intersection of religious expression and public space regulations in the region.
The court heard that Johnston, who served as a Methodist minister for over four decades, was observed standing near the entrance of Altnagelvin Hospital on multiple occasions between May and July 2022. Prosecutors cited Section 1 of the Public Order Act 1986, which prohibits behavior that causes harassment, alarm, or distress. A police officer testified that Johnston’s repeated presence near the hospital, coupled with his audible prayers and distribution of religious pamphlets, led to complaints from staff and patients.
Johnston’s legal team argued that his actions fell under the protection of freedom of speech and religious expression guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. However, the judge emphasized that the court’s role was to assess whether the conduct met the legal threshold for public order violations, not to evaluate the content of the message. “The law does not distinguish between messages,” the judge stated during sentencing. “It focuses on the impact on the public environment.”
Local religious leaders have expressed concern over the case, with the Reverend Dr. Eamon McGleenan of the Methodist Church in Ireland stating, “Pastors have a long tradition of engaging with communities in public spaces. This case raises key questions about where the boundaries lie.” A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission declined to comment on the specifics of the case but noted that balancing individual rights with public safety remains a complex legal challenge.
The incident has also reignited debates about the enforcement of public order laws in Northern Ireland. A 2021 report by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland highlighted concerns that such legislation is disproportionately applied to religious or political groups. However, a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland reiterated that “the law applies equally to all, regardless of motive or intent.”
Johnston, who has not publicly addressed the conviction, faces a potential appeal. His legal team has indicated they will challenge the ruling on the grounds that the court failed to consider the intent behind his actions. The case is expected to be heard in the County Court of Northern Ireland by early 2024.
