A petition was handed in in support of UCB with regards to the change of broadcasting laws

A SPECIAL Parliamentary Petition, in support of United Christian Broadcasters (1KB) campaign to change the current Broadcasting Law, was handed in to the Prime Minister on Tuesday, 27th June. Petition coordinator Denise Wherret and representatives from UCB travelled to London for the Downing Street handover. More than 1,200 constituents in Tony Blair s Sedgefield constituency added their names to a petition calling for freedom for religious broadcasting. They represent Christians from every church denomination in the constituency, together with those of no specific faith who back UCBs fight for freedom.

The people of Sedgefield have made it clear that they want the right to choose to switch on UCB Europe s blend of contemporary Christian music and speech-based programmes in their cars and kitchens, said Steve Cox, UCBs marketing manager. More than 16,500 letters have already been sent to the Prime Minister from across the country requesting a change to this absurd law. If the law remains, churches in the Sedgefield area could face similar discrimination in reaching their local community with the Christian Gospel. Almost every other organisation can apply for an ordinary national radio licence. Yet, as a Christian organisation we are banned. In fact, we can t even get an application form.

In 1998, UCB registered a legal action against the UK Government in the European Court of Human Rights. UCB claim that the Government is in breach of articles 9,10 and 14 which allow for freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.