Internet giant Google is facing court action in the United Kingdom after it refused to accept an advertisement from a Christian organization promoting its own biblical views on abortion.

The advertisement that Google refused to accept

The legal action has been launched by the Christian Institute because Google Ireland Ltd., described as the "doorway to the Internet," censored its simple ad reading: "UK abortion law – Key views and news on abortion law from the Christian Institute. www.christian.org.uk."

"For many people, Google is the doorway to the Internet," Christian Institute spokesman Mike Judge told the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail. "If there is to be a free exchange of ideas then Google cannot give special free speech rights to secular groups whilst censoring religious views."

The organization is seeking damages, costs and the permission to publish its ad.

"To say that religious sites with material on abortion are 'unacceptable content' (while) advertising pornography is ridiculous," he said.

"It does seem to me to be the most appalling and blatant case of religious discrimination and also to be a very silly attempt to stifle due debate," said former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe.

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The organization wanted to promote its online information about abortion as Parliament takes on discussion of that nation's proposed Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill, the first opportunity in 18 years for members of Parliament to vote on time limits for abortions.

Officials at a Google.com return e-mail address, however, rejected the wording as "unacceptable content."

"Thank you for advertising with Google AdWords. In reviewing your AdWords Starter Edition account, we have found that your ad or keywords do not meet our guidelines. Please log into your account to see your disapproved ad, the reason for disapproval and editorial suggestions…," the e-mail said.

Then it specified that company policy "does not permit the advertisement of websites that contain 'abortion and religion-related content,' … As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site."

Google said it "believes strongly in freedom of expression and therefore offers broad access to content across the web without censoring search results. Please note that the decisions we make concerning advertising in no way affect the search results we deliver. Please note that both your ad and keywords have been suspended at this time."

That was too much for the Christian Institute's legal representation, at the firm of Aughton Ainsworth.

"It is unlawful for you to discriminate against the Christian Institute in a manner which infringes section 46 of the Equality Act 2006," an advisory letter from the firm said.

"In relation to your provision to the public or a section of the public of 'facilities or services' to advertise, you are treating the Christian Institute less favorably, on the express grounds of their religion or belief, than others where there is no material difference in the relevant circumstances," the law firm warned.

"This is evidenced by the fact that you permit groups, such as 'Reality Check,' who are promoting pro abortion beliefs, to advertise on the abortion link. … In fact the discrimination seems to be directly targeted at the Christian Institute. This is because the 'Google policy' to which you refer does not appear in your written 'AdWords Advertising Policies' at all.

"You permit abortion clinics to advertise their services and 'political advertising' … You also permit organizations to advertise 'anti-religious T-shirts' as a link to the google search word 'secular,'" the firm said.

"We have advised our client that they are entitled to bring a claim for breach of statutory duty … In the circumstances our client is seeking the following remedies: a) permission to publish its advertisement; b) an award of damages; c) reasonable costs."

The Christian Institute was seeking to pay Google so that when the word "abortion" was typed, its link would appear on the side of the screen.

"Good for them for suing Google! Why are Christians the only ones that can be discriminated against? Let's be fair to the Christians as well," John Dixon wrote on a newspaper forum.

 

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