Legal firm steps in to defend Bideford against NSS prayer challenge

The Town Council in Bideford last night voted to accept an offer from a Manchester law firm to defend the saying of prayers at meetings. The decision follows a challenge from the National Secular Society, which is seeking a judicial review to test the legality of including prayers as part of council meetings. The NSS claims the practice is not lawful, mainly on Human Rights grounds.

The law firm, Aughton Ainsworth has already acted in several other cases in which Christians claimed to be “persecuted” – including the Christian B&B owners who refused to accommodate a gay couple and the housing officer who was sacked for trying to use his position to evangelise his customers.

Keith Porteous Wood, Executive Director of the National Secular Society, said: “We welcome this development because it makes it more likely that the Judicial Review will proceed.

“Clarity is needed as to whether or not prayers are lawful for all councils conducting them, as well as those wishing for prayers to remain or cease.”

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Or by post to NSS Fund, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL.

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