Precious Life has launched the "Protect Free Speech" Campaign in response to new bye-laws proposed by Belfast City Council. People will be fined up to £500 if they set up an Information Stall in the city centre without a permit. Anyone using amplification equipment will also face fines. These laws are a blatant attack on free speech and will specifically target Precious Life. As you know, we are the only pro-life group that has a weekly stall in the City Centre, where we distribute information leaflets on the dangers of abortion, and collect signatures for our pro-life petitions. The proposed bye-laws would require a fee to obtain a permit from the council before placing a stall with any promotional literature or information, including the display of so-called "graphic imagery", or use an amplification device, in a public place within Belfast city centre. However, the Council can refuse or revoke permits. The Council will only issue a permit under certain conditions depending on the "nature" of activity. And permit holders will be forced to comply with the Council's conditions and any code of conduct that may be produced. Belfast Council is asking the public for their views on the proposed bye-laws. The Public Consultation period is from 27 November 2023 to 04 March 2024 Our 'Protect Free Speech' Campaign will oppose this attack on freedom of speech. We have produced a new leaflet outlining how the Council's proposed bye-laws are in direct conflict with the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. These are fundamental human rights – both protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the Human Rights Act. And the proposals also breach the Good Friday Agreement, which safeguard civil rights and religious liberties, in particular, the rights to freedom and expression of religion. We will distribute our "Protect Free Speech" leaflets at our stall in Belfast City Centre and across Northern Ireland. We have also produced GUIDANCE on how to respond to the Consultation. For more details see our Campaign Page here... Our new Campaign will  send a clear message to Belfast City Council that religious liberties and the rights to freedom of assembly and expression must be upheld and protected.