TORONTO, July (LSN) Renowned pro-life activist and evangelical minister Rev. Ken Campbell was acquitted today four hours into his trial on a charge of “obstructing a police officer”. Presiding Judge Cadsby agreed with Campbell and his attorney Paul Vandervet that there was no evidence that Rev. Campbell obstructed police and that the over four years old “temporary” injunction prohibiting all protest at Toronto’s abortuaries should be reviewed. Linda Gibbons, who has spent almost four years in jail for totally peaceful protest at the same location and who was arrested the same day as Campbell, testified on his behalf.
Campbell was originally charged on September 2 last year with violating an NDP government obtained 1994 court injunction which violates the constitutional liberties of pro-lifers. Two months later, the Crown followed its usual practice on charges against Linda Gibbons and other pro-life witnesses at the abortuary location and changed the charge to “obstructing a police officer.” This lesser charge does not allow a jury trial and constitutional challenge to the injunction
Ontario’s Progressive “Conservative” government has adamently defended the NDP injunction and is fearful of having its constitutionality challenged. On the date that he was originally charged, Rev. Campbell acted in such a manner as to be deliberately charged with “violating a court order” and was so charged.
Today’s victory makes it unlikely that the Crown can continue to follow its underhanded strategy of avoiding challenges to the “temporary” injunction by charging peaceful protesters not resisting arrest with the bogus charge of “obstructing a police officer” or any other bogus charge.