Judges rule against peace vigil

[bennywhale]

Brian Haw has slept in Parliament Square since 2001
Peace activist Brian Haw may have to end his five-year vigil outside Parliament as the government has won an appeal against an earlier legal ruling. The government had introduced the legislation with the specific intent of forcing Mr Haw to abandon his post.
The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 states anyone wanting to demonstrate in a 1km zone around Parliament Square must have permission from the police when the demonstration starts.

Previously in the High Court, lawyers for Mr Haw argued that his demonstration had begun four years earlier and therefore he did not have to apply for authorisation. We are not the security risk, we are not the risk to the world, Bush and Blair are.

The government said Mr Haw posed a potential security risk and described his argument as absurd, but judges ruled by a 2-1 majority in Mr Haw's favour. "This is such a farce. Security? I have been here five years keeping the security of Parliament. We are not the security risk, we are not the risk to the world, Bush and Blair are." The Stop the War Coalition said the decision was "another stab in the back" for democracy and spoke of its determination to continue peacefully protesting outside Parliament.

Director Shami Chakrabarti said: "Unfortunately, today's judgment, and the law he (Tony Blair) passed, prove the right to protest is under severe threat in this country." Since 2001, Mr Haw slept in Parliament Square among a large display of anti-war banners, placards and flags, many presented to him by well-wishers. But such a permanent fixture proved an irritant to his neighbours in the House of Commons.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4983780.stm

[Atman]

1. I wonder where the "strict constructionists" in the USA will view this

One of the things they loved about Alito and Roberts is that they view it as heresy to consider any foriegn legal rulings when deciding cases in US law. Hmm...something tells me they'd find an "exception" here.

"Fuh fuh fuh...harumph! Clearly, the United States is borne of the loins of England, and therefore it is perfectly appropriate to build upon these rulings in order similarly restrict the constitutional rights of Americans' freedom to assemble."

[Matilda]

2. It may turn out like to the McLibel case

Tony Blair won in court, but will he win the minds of the public?