11/09/2026
🚨BREAKING: Christian evangelist acquitted after Crown Prosecution Service advances LGBT “safe space” argument in Soho
Christian evangelist Richard Johnson, has been found NOT GUILTY after facing nearly two years of prosecution for peacefully distributing an illustrated Gospel tract in Soho.
Mr Johnson, who has been supported by the Christian Legal Centre, was prosecuted under section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986 after two complainants said they were distressed by the tract’s Christian teaching on sin, judgment, repentance and salvation.
During the trial, one complainant described Soho as an LGBT “safe space”, while the CPS placed significant emphasis on Mr Johnson’s decision to distribute the tract in an area closely associated with the LGBT community.
His legal team argued that this amounted to an attempt to create a de facto “gay buffer zone”, in which lawful Christian expression could be judged by a different standard.
The court concluded that, although the tract had caused offence and upset, the prosecution had failed to prove the elements necessary to establish a criminal offence. The magistrates recognised the high threshold that must be crossed before freedom of expression can be restricted. A defence costs order was also granted.
We are pleased that Richard has finally been vindicated, but it is deeply troubling that the CPS was prepared to pursue this case.
No London or any neighbourhood across the country should be transformed into a censorship zone where lawful beliefs are suppressed or criminalised because they are controversial or unwelcome.
