Bloggerheads invite you to the Parliament Square Carol Service Protest tomorrow Wednesday 20th December 2006 from 7pm:
Preliminary Programme:(Introduction and welcome)
Come All Ye Faithful
Away in a Manger
Little Drummer Boy
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Deck the Halls
Good King Wenceslas
The First Noel
Joy to the World
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Jingle Bells
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
(Message of thanks followed by a one-minute silence)
Amazing Grace
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
(The Lord's Prayer; led by Brian Haw)Legal Implications:
We got away with it last year, but you should be aware that if you attend this carol service, it still classifies as a spontaneous demonstration (of faith, hope, joy and/or religious tolerance) and there is a possibility that you will be cautioned or arrested under Section 132 of the Serious and Organised Crimes and Police Act (2005) (more). The police actually hid last year, but this year they may change their mind, or be under fresh directions from our new 'fit for purpose' Home Secretary (who may decide that we need to be made an example of for daring to challenge his authority).
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Again, as last year, it will be interesting to compare and contrast how the protestors singing carols in Parliament Square are treated by the Police, with any attendees at the services and concerts held at the adjacent Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is also within theSerious organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) Designated Area around Parliament Square and beyuond, and is also a "public place" as defined in Section 132 of SOCPA:
(b) "public place" means any highway or any place to which at the material time the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission,
i.e. according to this stupid law, prior written permission is also required to attend religious or musical events at Westminster Abbey !