In the UK at Kent ~ Fathers 4 Justice descend on Canterbury for Christmas demonstration

Fathers 4 Justice campaigners in Canterbury. Picture: Barry Duffield

by Adam Williams and Katie Lamborn

Campaigners from Fathers 4 Justice descended on Canterbury on Saturday for a special Christmas demonstration.

The group, known for a series of high-profile stunts, dressed as Santa Claus and assembled in the city's Buttermarket Sqaure with banners, loud horns and megaphones.

Speaking from the scene on Saturday, KM Group reporter Katie Lamborn said: "It's an electric carnival atmostphere - everyone's in good spirits. There are lots of megaphones and plenty of chanting about 'two parents being better than one'.

"There's a visible police presence - but everyone seems to be having a good time trying to get their message across."

Among the protesters was Darren Ash, 34, from Beltinge, near Herne Bay. He has been fighting for access to his daughter for more than a decade after his relationship with her mother ended amicably.

Mr Ash said: "We're here in Canterbury to send a message to Rowan Williams to listen. The church talks about being 'in the name of the Father' but they're not prepared to discuss the issue of the father."

At one stage, the protesters attempted to enter the Cathedral Precincts from Buttermarket Square but were initially turned away by police. However, they were later allowed to go in and have a photograph taken.

After the demonstration had ended at around 1.30pm, Mr Ash added: "I thought we got a very good response. Thank you to everyone for coming down to support us."

A statement issued by Fathers 4 Justice members ahead of the protest last month read: "Dressed in Santa outfits, we will yet again attempt to get our message across to the church who, like this arrogant Labour government, have ignored the plight of fathers for years.

"We have decided to take the campaign back to the church as it and its synod have not debated family breakdown since 1991. The Church of England and its representatives must stop ignoring the consequences of this issue."

Friday, December 11 2009

Visitor Comments

• Good Luck!

  11/12/2009 2:41:53 PM
  by Phil Davies

  I would like to say Good Luck to Darren & all the Fathers 4 Justice guys attending on Saturday!!! I hope some progress can be made!

• Demonstration F4J

  11/12/2009 9:36:18 PM
  by Mike Murphy

  Best wishes from way over here in Sault Ste. Marie, On Canada. I have some snow I can donate for that Christmas feeling.