An Anglican church in Istanbul has been ordered to remove a sign banning British MPs from entering after they voted to decriminalise abortion up to birth in England.

Christ Church, also known as the Crimean Memorial Church, put up a notice telling MPs to “refrain” from attending services after what it called the “shameful vote” in June.

The sign read: “Would British Members of Parliament please refrain from entering this church? Check with the Chaplain first that you specifically are not anathematised as of 22 June 2025 for your shameful vote in enabling late abortion!” It added that MPs wishing to make amends were welcome to speak to the priest, as reported by The Telegraph.

A spokesman for the Diocese in Europe confirmed the sign was put up without permission from the Bishop, saying: “The chaplain had not been in touch with the Bishop to ask for any direction on this matter… The chaplain has been told to remove the sign.”

The move came after Parliament’s decision to decriminalise abortion so women can’t be prosecuted for ending pregnancies at any stage.

The Bishop of London, Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, said: “They should not be prosecuted. However, decriminalising abortion can at the same time inadvertently undermine the value of unborn life.”