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World News

Silent prayer not banned under abortion buffer zone guidance

by Anna Rees

As buffer zones are introduced around abortion clinics in England and Wales, the Crown Prosecution Service has issued guidance stating that silent prayer will not be automatically criminalised, but will instead be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Under Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, it is now an offensive to intentionally or recklessly influence a person as to whether or not they seek abortion services, whilst within a 150m radius of a clinic.

New CPS guidance lists activities which will be prohibited within the zones as:

  • Informing, advising, offering counselling, or attempting to persuade someone in relation to the use of abortion facilities;
  • Handing out leaflets with information or misinformation on abortions;
  • Holding bibles or foetal dolls;
  • Displaying images of foetuses or babies;
  • Singing around religious pictures;
  • Holding a vigil or praying, including silent prayer.

It then states: “A person who carries out any of these activities within a safe access zone will not necessarily commit a criminal offence.

“Prosecutors will need to consider not only all the facts and circumstances of the particular conduct but also the context in which the conduct takes place.”

In October, a Christian man was convicted for holding a ‘silent prayer’ protest outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth.

Adam Smith-Connor was represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. ADF spokesperson Lois McLatchie has now told Premier they are relieved that guidance will not criminalise silent prayer.

"The CPS guidelines have been a ray of hope. Silent prayer is not a crime."

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