Live and learn. I just learned that until yesterday (at least in England) the search engine giant Google had refused (as the BBC put it ) “to allow religious organizations to show links to their websites whenever internet users typed in terms relating to abortion.” In a confidential, out-of-court settlement Google amended its policy, following a suit brought by the Christian Institute, a non-denominational British charity.

In a statement Google said, "The issue of abortion is an emotive subject and Google does not take a particular side.” The company added, “Following the review we have decided to amend our policy, creating a level playing field and enabling religious associations to place ads on abortion in a factual way."

Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute, told the Telegraph, "I am delighted to tell you that our legal proceedings against Google for blocking our abortion ad have been settled on amicable terms.

"As a result of the court action and other representations made to Google in recent months, Google has reviewed its AdWords policy to enable The Christian Institute and other religious associations to place ads on the subject of abortion in a factual and campaigning way.

"This is an important issue of free speech and religious liberty and we are very pleased with Google’s constructive response to this matter."

Google’s prior position was that it was acceptable for “pro-choice” groups to advertise abortion-related context. Google also allowed non-religious sites to do likewise. It’s when the site combined “abortion and religion-related content” that it suddenly became “inappropriate content.”

Last April, acting on behalf of the Christian Institute, Aughton Ainsworth law firm filed a lawsuit on the grounds that Google was in breach of the Equality Act 2006 “which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion in the provision of a good or service,” according to Christiantoday.com.