williamson is a well-known opponent of the ordination of women to the priesthood. in 1997 he sued the dean and chapter of st paul's cathedral for appointing a woman as a minor canon. on 16 july 1997, he was declared to be a vexatious litigant by justice christopher rose at the royal courts of justice. as a result, he is no longer allowed to bring action within the courts of england and wales without permission.