The courts have decided to permit a television programmes’s live comedy show to go ahead as scheduled after controversial pastor Gordon John Manche (pictured above) and his wife attempted to have two characters intended to imitate them pulled from the show.
The Manches argued that two characters on the show by Min Imissu television programme, Jordan Tariella Whiteman who were created to imitate them in actual fact ridiculed them.
Mr Justice Anthony Ellul, presiding over the case, observed that for the past 10 years, Manche has presented a religious programme where he expressed his views on homosexuality which views have created controversy among the public. The producers of Min Imissu therefore created a comical character about Manche and his wife.
Min Imissu producers and lawyer exiting court
Ellul remarked that there should be balance between the honour and dignity of a person, and the right to freedom of expression. He continued by saying one must respect the creativity of others and the contribution such productions make to society.
Regarding Manche’s wife, the courts noted that she was also a public person by taking part in such programmes.
While Manche has the right to his beliefs, the court does not see the need for a warrant of prohibitory injunction on the satire Min Imissu. Therefore, the court has not accepted the request by the Manches and the characters Jordan and Tariella Whiteman may show on air as planned.
Manche’s views against allowing homosexuals to get married and links with the now-banned practice of conversion therapy have repeatedly made headlines.