War On Moral Pollution (Press, 30 September 1971)
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Summary: War On Moral Pollution (Press, 30 September 1971)
On 30 September 1971, around 30,000 campaigners gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, for the "Festival of Light," an event aimed at combating pornography and moral degradation in society. Armed with hymn sheets and backed by notable figures such as Prince Charles and singer Cliff Richard, the attendees sang loud choruses of "Hallelujah!" to promote their message of purity, love, and family values. The gathering called for new censorship laws, tighter controls on sex education in schools, and government intervention to tackle what they referred to as "the vile commerce in cruelty, perversion, and loveless sex." Despite these calls for reform, the event faced opposition from a small group of approximately 200 members of the Gay Liberation Front, who attempted to disrupt the rally. However, their protests were largely ignored and drowned out by the cheers and singing from the main crowd. Some hecklers, dressed in religious attire, were asked to leave by police. Overall, the demonstration was described as cheerful and peaceful, with 27 individuals arrested for charges related to insulting behaviour and assault. One clergyman commented on the demonstration, suggesting it was a significant event opposing the permissive social climate of the time. A letter expressing Prince Charles's support was read to participants, reinforcing the Royal connection to the campaign. However, the British Humanist Association responded to the Prince's involvement with criticism, arguing that he was out of touch with contemporary society and that his advisers should have a better understanding of the issues facing modern Britain. Kenneth Furness, the general secretary of the Humanist Association, expressed concern over the Prince’s support for what he termed the "lunatic fringe" of the Christian Church. He stated that the focus on moral issues such as those raised in Trafalgar Square detracted from more pressing concerns, such as unemployment, educational failures, and the struggles of the poor. Furness lamented that the rallying cries of "Onward, Christian Soldiers" did little to address the real socio-economic challenges facing society, accusing Prince Charles of promoting outdated beliefs rather than engaging with the more relevant issues impacting everyday citizens. Overall, the Festival of Light drew significant attention, highlighting a divide in societal views on morality and prompting discussions on the role of religion in addressing contemporary social problems.
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