Stroud News
Mayor due in court for refusal to complete census
12:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012
STROUD mayor John Marjoram will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday, charged with refusing to fill out his census form.
The Green Party Stroud district councillor will be joined in the dock by peace activist Roger Franklin, who also declined to return the form.
The SNJ understands Mr Franklin will refuse to enter a plea to the charge – a decision which will result in a not guilty plea being entered on his behalf – while Mr Marjoram will plead not guilty on ethical grounds.
Both face fines of £1,000 and criminal records if found guilty.
The pair’s refusal to complete the forms - a criminal offence under the Census Act 1920 - stems from conflicts between their Quaker belief and the fact US arms dealer Lockheed Martin won the contract to administer the document.