Controversial anti-abortion billboard removed by Claude Neon overnight

A billboard hired by anti-abortion action group Emily’s Voice has been removed by owners Claude Neon after they were alerted that this action deliberately violates the current Reproductive Health Act (2013). The billboard is situated well within the 150 metre protest material exclusion zone that is a key part of the new legislation being flouted by Queensland “right to lifer” John Graham Preston, who has continued to illegally protest on Macquarie St during practice hours without being arrested by Tasmania Police.

A local office worker, Ms Sarah Heald noticed the billboard in the nearby public car park used by clients and contacted Claude Neon to ask whether they were aware that the sign is in breach of the Act. Concerned State Manager Michael Elliot immediately investigated the matter and promised to have it removed within three business days. Last night the billboard was discreetly replaced by a beer commercial.

Claude Neon are to be congratulated for taking their corporate citizenship seriously, respecting the legislation seriously and taking swift action.

Despite ongoing daily complaints to the Hobart Police Station that John Graham Preston is still within the exclusion zone, distributing similar material to passers-by as well as staff and clients of the counselling and referral service, Tasmania Police have not arrested John Graham Preston for his continued flouting of the law. Clients to the service, that offers counselling, referral as well as the option of medically-facilitated termination have been distressed by his actions. Staff have been interrupted attempting to enter the building and their place of work.

A daily peaceful and humorous response by members of the public who wish to see the law enforced and John Graham Preston removed from the exclusion zone and charged for these offences, has been warmly received by traffic on Macquarie Street as well as the breadth of social media across the country and overseas.
Sarah Heald