"Launched in 2024, the non-denominational evangelical group describes itself as a "spiritual army" combatting so-called "sin, cultural decay, and darkness" by "making disciples" and "raising soldiers." In a video posted by right-wing lobbyists Turning Point UK (TPUK), a section of the group blocked traffic in the middle of the LGBTQ+ street while chanting "Jesus saves" to visibly confused passers by."
"However, the 'militant' evangelical group's presence in the district could, in fact, violate public order and anti-fascism laws in the UK. Under the Public Order Act 1936, which was designed to combat paramilitary groups in the UK, it is against the law for protestors or groups to wear uniforms signifying their association with a political organisation. Furthermore, the law prohibits the organisation or training of associations as a means to promote a political viewpoint."
"The group, which has vowed on multiple occasions to take a stand over what it deems as "immoral" political issues, such as abortion rights, insists it is "not a political organisation" and does not "stand for, represent, or align ourselves with any political party.""
The King's Army, a right-wing non-denominational evangelical group launched in 2024, marched through Soho dressed in black shirts and chanted anti-LGBTQ+ slogans while blocking traffic on Old Compton Street. The march passed near queer venues including the Admiral Duncan pub and nightclub G-A-Y, and a video posted by Turning Point UK showed a section of the group chanting "Jesus saves" to confused passersby. The Metropolitan Police engaged with the crowd and reported no offences. Legal observers note potential breaches of the Public Order Act 1936, which forbids uniforms signifying political association and organising associations to promote political viewpoints.
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