UK Court: Photos Showing Aborted Babies 'Grossly Offensive' And Not Protected As Free Speech

It is illegal to send indecent or grossly offensive material to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient, even when it is done for political or educational reasons, the High Court has said. The conviction of Veronica Connolly was upheld on appeal this month. Connolly had sent pictures of aborted foetuses to pharmacies which stocked the morning after contraceptive pill. Connolly was convicted in the Magistrates Court of committing an offence under the Malicious Communications Act. That Act, from 1988, says that someone who sends another person material which is grossly offensive or indecent and is sent in order to cause the recipient distress or anxiety is guilty of an offence. The offence can apply to letters, email and other forms of communication. The European Convention on Human Rights provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. It is a qualified right, however: the Convention states that the freedom may be "subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a "democratic" society. Full story...

Editor's note: This story exemplifies the old saying, "A democracy is two wolves and one sheep voting on what's for dinner." Also, in all of its history the UK has never had 'Freedom of Speech' -- ever. Full story...

Order Anti-Abortion Signs and Large Posters
Chet Kilgore's Official Anti-Abortion Signs Web Site
See: Abortion Signs Catalog
Order by mail, print out the order form.

Posted by Editor at February 27, 2007 10:46 AM