A Christian anti-abortion campaigner convicted of breaching a public spaces protection order outside an abortion clinic has explained that she was "inviting consensual conversation," not protesting, when she held a sign outside the Bournemouth clinic in 2023.
Speaking to BBC's Radio 4's Today programme, Livia Tossici-Bolt said she was "not there to make any woman unhappy."
On Friday, the 64-year-old was given a two-year conditional discharge at Poole Magistrates' Court for holding a sign that read "Here to talk, if you want" outside an Bournemouth abortion facility. The local council had implemented a "buffer zone" around the clinic, covering ten streets, which prohibits activities that could intimidate or harass women seeking services.
Speaking about her conviction, Tossici-Bolt explained: "I was really disappointed because it's nothing to do with protesting.
"It was purely inviting consensual conversation and I think in a public space everybody can do that.
"I was not there to express my views.
"I was there to offer free conversation, consensual conversation, to anyone who wanted to speak to me and not on the topics I want to speak, I was there to listen.
"I was interested to listen to people and I think everyone should be allowed that."
She added: "I was there not to make any woman unhappy or distressed. I was there to speak to everyone in the community that wanted to have a conversation with me.
"Certainly anyone could have approached me, including, if they wanted to, women accessing the clinic. It was up to them and I was there to listen to them, not to try and convince them at all, to change (their) mind or not. I was just there for everyone just to talk to me."
In addition to the conditional discharge, District Judge Orla Austin ordered Tossici-Bolt to pay £20,000 towards court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
Her lawyer, Jeremiah Igunnubole from ADF International, described the case as “unprecedented” and announced they are "exploring all legal options."
The case has attracted international attention, with the US Department of State criticising the conviction and stressing the importance of protecting freedom of expression.
Igunnubole agreed with the US statement: "What I am disappointed with is the fact that no United Kingdom politician, or at least leader of any of the major parties, has also made similar comments to raise their concerns about the state of freedom of speech."
When asked what happens next, Tossici-Bolt said: "There isn't much I can do, is there? I've been given this conditional discharge, and I will continue my fight for freedom of speech."
