Pastor Faces Legal Challenges Over Street Sermon in Bristol
A Christian pastor in Bristol, England, is still waiting for a decision on whether he will face criminal charges. Pastor Dia Moodley, who is 58, was arrested in November on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” during a street sermon, according to a legal group that is supporting him.
After being detained for eight hours, he was released on bail with conditions that initially prevented him from entering the city during the Christmas season. The British branch of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF UK) is representing Moodley, arguing that his case highlights a concerning trend of police actions that threaten the right to free expression in religious contexts.
In January, police visited Moodley again, inviting him for a voluntary interview as their investigation into the November incident continued. This is not the first time he has faced legal troubles related to his street preaching, as he has had earlier conflicts with law enforcement over his comments about other religions.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, a 58-year-old man was arrested in Broadmead, Bristol, on November 22, concerning allegations of assault and a public order offense. Although Moodley was initially restricted from certain areas in the city, these conditions were lifted a few weeks later after he appealed.
The police have indicated that investigations are ongoing, and a counter-allegation has also been recorded. The specific public order offense falls under the Public Order Act 1986, which outlines that using threatening words or behavior with the intent to stir up religious hatred is an offense.
Legal counsel for ADF International, Jeremiah Igunnubole, stated that the arrest of Pastor Dia for peacefully discussing issues related to Islam and transgender ideology reflects a troubling use of public order laws, likening the situation to “de facto blasphemy laws” in the UK. He emphasized that this is part of a larger pattern of behavior from Avon and Somerset Police, which has targeted Moodley for his peaceful expressions in public settings.
