The original advertisement, produced by Christian Communications Partnership, publisher of Christianity magazine, quoted surveys indicating that 60% of active Christians were being increasingly marginalised at work.
London Christian Radio and sister organisation CCP objected in 2011 to the secretary of state for culture, media and sport’s decision to prohibit the advert after the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre claimed it had a political objective.
A judicial review in March 2012 upheld the decision, but the Christian campaigners were granted leave to appeal.
Declaring the advertisement unlawful, the Master of the Rolls, Lord Dyson, said it was ‘directed to the political end of making a fairer society by reducing or eliminating the marginalisation of Christians in the workplace’, contrary to broadcasting legislation.
‘This is not only a bad day for freedom of speech for Christians, it is also a bad day for democracy in general,’ said Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Christian Radio. ‘Naturally we are disappointed with the judgement, but will now consider further options which may be available to us with our legal representatives.’
In response to the result of the hearing, Premier Christian Radio took out a full page advertisement in The Daily Telegraph, attacking the judgement.
