A Christian preacher who was accused of violating an LGBT “safe space” has been acquitted.
72-year-old Richard Johnson, says that he handed out biblical tracts addressing various subjects in Soho, most of which were not related to homosexuality. However, last year, Johnson was eventually chased by two men from the area, fearing for his safety.
He was later arrested under the Public Order Act 1986 after complaints were lodged about a tract referring to Sodom and Gomorrah. One of the complainants argued that Soho was a “safe space” for LGBT people and that, as such, Johnson was not entitled to share such views.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah, is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 18 and 19. It reveals how God destroyed the two cities for their sinful lifestyle. A notable sin mentioned in the story was sexual immorality, in the form of homosexuality, specifically the request of all the men in Sodom, who gathered, to try and violate God’s angels.
Following a trial on September 4, 2026, Johnson was acquitted. The ruling was that the tract was offensive and upsetting to some members of the community, however no criminal offense could be proved. In particular, it determined that no threats of violence were made against anyone. Soho was determined not to be a “safe space” with separate jurisdiction in which different laws apply.
Commenting on the ruling, Johnson expressed contentment.
“After nearly two years of having this hanging over me, I am glad to be free. I do this because I really love LGBT people and I want them to go to Heaven and not Hell. Love is telling people the truth, even if people are offended by the message,” he said.
Legal advocate, Christian Legal Centre, which supported Johnson, welcomed the acquittal. “Richard Johnson should never have endured nearly two years with a criminal prosecution hanging over him simply for peacefully distributing a Christian Gospel tract,” said Chief Executive, Andrea Williams.
“The prosecution’s reliance on Soho being an LGBT ‘safe space’ was deeply troubling.” She also said, “No part of London can become a censorship zone in which lawful Christian beliefs are subjected to a different standard because some people find them offensive. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression belong to everyone, everywhere.”
