Google abortion ad case settled

Fundraising | Becky Slack | 10 Oct 2008

The Christian Institute has dropped its legal proceedings against Google after the internet giant agreed to settle out of court.

The organisation, which promotes Christianity across the UK, had filed the lawsuit after Google refused to display its pro-life adverts alongside searches for the word ‘abortion’.

Google said it had rejected the advert on the grounds it contravened its policy of not advertising sites which combined “abortion and religion-related content”. Non-religious sites were allowed to place ads on the subject of abortion.

In April 2008 Aughton Ainsworth law firm, acting on behalf of the Christian Institute, filed a lawsuit against Google on the grounds it was in breach of the Equality Act 2006.
Today it was announced that a confidential, out-of-court settlement has been achieved, and that Google is to review its AdWords policy to enable the Institute and other religious organisations to place ads on the subject.

“We’re delighted that Google has been constructive about this,” said Mike Judge (pictured) at the Christian Institute. “The new policy will apply worldwide with immediate effect. This is an important issue of free speech – all religious organisations should be allowed to advertise their views.”

Who's Who: Becky Slack

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