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No plans to ban displays of graphic material in public

Wed, 31 Jan 2018

The Policy and Reform Minister says there are no plans to introduce a ban on displaying offensive graphic material in public.

Douglas Central MHK Ann Corlett wanted to know what consideration was being given to the introduction of legislation which would prevent such displays.

Chris Thomas confirmed in this week's sitting of the House of Keys that there are currently no plans to bring in such a law, but that provision already exists to enable prosecution of those found to be displaying such material.

The law makes it a misdemeanor to disturb the public peace and make use of provoking language or behaviour tending to a breach of the peace.

The question comes following recent protests by anti-abortion group Abort67, who use images of aborted foetuses in their posters.

Mr Thomas insists that there is a freedom of speech and expression recognised under the European Convention on Human Rights.

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