Residents living in an area of Edinburgh within an abortion ‘buffer zone’ say they’re concerned they may be criminalised for praying in their own homes.
It follows new legislation which was passed by the Scottish government in September establishing ‘safe access’ 200 metre zones around abortion clinics. Anyone seen to be acting in a way which could cause harassment or distress to somebody accessing the clinic’s services is liable to prosecution, even if the activity is carried out in the privacy of their own home. The guidance says “religious preaching” and “silent vigils” fall under this category if they are being carried out with “intent or recklessness”.
A letter from the Scottish government has now been sent to residents within the Edinburgh zone saying that while the rules mainly apply to actions carried out in public places, such activities in a private space or home could be an offence if seen or heard within the zone.
Andrea Williams the Chief Executive of Christian Concern told Premier the letter says “if you pray in your home, you may be liable to a criminal offence and subject to a £10,000 fine.”
She added that “it's absolutely real and this has been coming in many ways for a very long time. It sounds like madness and it is.
“Our freedom to speak the gospel, our freedom to pray, is very cherished, and we mustn't take these freedoms for granted. But this is also the silencing of any descent or any questioning around the whole issue of abortion.”
Ms Williams says she fears clinic workers or activists will report people if they see they are holding a prayer meeting or praying in their homes.
One recipient of the letter told The Telegraph : “As a Christian, I pray all the time. To think that this could now be a criminal offence, even within the vicinity of my own home, is truly unbelievable.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Safe access zones are designed to safeguard a woman’s right to access healthcare. The legislation that creates them intentionally does not criminalise any particular behaviour, including prayer.”
150 metre abortion buffer zones are set to come into force in England and Wales on 31 October. Silent prayer hasn't been named as an offence under the guidance despite earlier concerns, but pro-life campaigners say the new law lacks clarity.