England’s High Court has unanimously ruled that prayers within the so-called “buffer zone” of abortion clinics are illegal.
The head of the pro-left group, ’40 Days for Life Bournemouth,’ Livia Tossici-Bolt, attempted to overturn the ban, arguing it “criminalized prayer and reading from the Bible.”
On Friday, Judges determined that the banning order “lawfully followed the democratic and consultative procedures.”
They said any infringements of freedom of religion and the right to protest were “justified by the legitimate aim of protecting the rights of women attending the clinic.”
Christian Concern intends to appeal the decision.
“Peaceful witness near abortion centers are helpful to many women in crisis pregnancies, offering genuine choice by providing support,” argued Christian Legal Centre chief executive Andrea Williams.
The Christian Post reported:
“These zones have been criticized by politicians and campaigners as harsh measures that infringe on free speech and hinder access to abortion alternatives.
“The ministry of 40 Days for Life, known for offering support to vulnerable women, is particularly affected by these restrictions. Activities such as vigils, offering support and praying within the buffer zone, can lead to fines and imprisonment for up to six months.”
Earlier this year, authorities pressed charges against a father and British Army veteran, Adam Smith-Connor, for silently praying within a designated “buffer zone” near an abortion clinic.
Smith-Connor was issued a fixed penalty notice last December for reaching the terms of the buffer zone.
Last December, a British woman made headlines after being arrested for silently praying outside an abortion center in Birmingham, UK.
The Daily Fetched reported that Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was detained under a new protest prohibition statute after police caught her praying outside the center.
Earlier this year, authorities in Birmingham established a buffer zone around abortion clinics to deter any acts of approval or disapproval as it relates to abortion. This includes “verbal or written means” like “prayer or counseling.”
Police approached Vaughan-Spruce near the BPAS Robert Clinic after an onlooker reported she might be praying outside the abortion facility.
For twenty years, Vaughn-Spruce has engaged in silent prayer outside clinics and said dozens of women who had decided to terminate their pregnancies had accepted her help and changed their minds.
READ: 32,000 Babies Saved from Abortion since Roe v Wade Was Overturned
