An illegally placed booth in Chelmsford High Street, advertising that “Jesus is a Muslim” will be removed by the Chelmsford City Council.  This follows a letter from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) pointing out that the words on the Booth were offensive and likely cause distress to the public.

Free copies of the Quran are being distributed from the booth, indicating an attempt to convert the public.  The words on the booth appeared to subvert religious beliefs, and foster hostility between all religions since it is widely accepted that Jesus was born a Jew in Bethlehem and is the central figure of Christianity, and Islam did not exist at the time of the birth of Jesus.

UKLFI further pointed out that permission from Chelmsford City Council was required for the erection of the booth “for commercial, voluntary or fundraising activities”. There is also a Public Spaces Protection Order (“PSPO”) in place in Chelmsford city centre, which means it is prohibited to distribute free literature in the High Street, including distribute free copies of the Quran.

UKLFI warned that the Council is also likely to be breaching Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, known as the “Public Sector Equality Duty” whereby it has a duty to consider the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality, and foster good relations between different ethnic and religious groups when exercising its functions. The words emblazoned on the Booth do not foster good relations between those with the protected characteristics of “religion, race or belief”, nor do they tackle prejudice and promote understanding.

Chelmsford Council has confirmed that the gazebo does not have permission to be stationed anywhere in the City Centre. They said

“Our staff are liaising with the organisers of the display/booth and are advising that this is an unauthorised structure and should not be placed on the High Street. If the gazebo continues to be placed in the City Centre against our advice, this Council will investigate what powers can be used to secure its removal”.

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “We are pleased that Chelmsford City Council has advised that the illegal booth should be removed, and hope that this removal will take place soon.”