News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Steve-Loha-street-market-trader-main_article_image.jpg
Christian Legal Centre
UK News

Judge backs Christian market trader caught up in tract row

A judge also awarded Steve Loha damages after he was forced to close his watch and mobile phone stall in Chichester market immediately, following a single complaint.

The businessman, who was supported in his case by the Christian Legal Centre, said he was "absolutely pleased, delighted that we had a victory", adding "of course, it's all praise to God".

Mr Loha's permit to operate on the market was pulled in May 2017 after one customer - a Chichester District Council member of staff - complained about religious material.

Mr Loha, who had spent 15 years running his stall two days per-week on the market, said he was later told by managers of the market that the tract was "extremely homophobic and unacceptable".

The material was defended by his legal team who said it is "undoubtedly stark" in challenging homosexuality and "not particularly comfortable to read" but "the fundamental message of the tract is true".

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, commented: "This decision makes a welcome change from a worrying trend we have seen in many recent judgments which sought to justify removal of Christians from their jobs and livelihoods for purely ideological reasons.

"In this case, however, the judge had the courage to uphold the rule of law."

Video: Christian Legal Cente

A judge highlighted how, under criminal law, "hostility based on sexual orientation" is "an aggravating factor when considering the seriousness" of a criminal offence, but "not an offence in its own right".

He asked rhetorically: "If the homophobic element is parasitic on a criminal offence, what is that offence?"

The judge also ruled that an accusation of homophobia did not enable the market operator to evict a trader straightaway, without giving a reasonable notice or hearing his side of the story.

It is understand legal representatives for the managers of Chichester market, Bray Associates, are seeking permission to appeal against the ruling.

Premier has contacted Bray Associates for a comment.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate