Abortion censorship zones now in force across England and Wales

The Government has imposed censorship zones banning prayer and offers of help to pregnant women outside abortion centres across England and Wales.

From today, people can receive an unlimited fine for “anything that intentionally or recklessly influences someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstructs them, or causes harassment or distress” within 150m of buildings where abortions are carried out.

The Government has said the rules “could also cover prayer”, including “silent prayer”.

No exemptions

New Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance says there is “no requirement that any person needs to be affected in any way”, and that there are no exemptions for those who object “on religious or ethical grounds”.

It also explains: “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.”

The Government claimed that guidance from the CPS and the College of Policing “will ensure there is clarity and consistency across the country”.

‘Outlawing prayer’

The Christian Institute’s Head of Policy and Research, David Greatorex, said: “These restrictions are a clear attack on free speech and religious freedom. There are already laws against harassment, but censorship zones could go beyond speech to even outlawing prayer in your own head.

“And these zones will cost lives. There are people who are only alive today because their mothers met someone ready to give them an alternative to abortion.”

Similar zones came into force in Scotland last month, while pro-life witness is also banned near abortion centres in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Silent prayer

Earlier this month, Adam Smith-Connor was found guilty for silently praying in a council-imposed censorship zone in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court ruled that the army veteran breached the zone’s prohibition against “prayer and acts of disapproval”, because he had bowed his head and clasped his hands.

Mr Smith-Connor was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £9,000 and faces sentencing if convicted of further related offences in the next two years.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel at religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom UK, which is supporting the case, said: “We can hardly sink any lower in our neglect of basic fundamental freedoms of free speech and thought. We will look closely at the judgment and are considering options to appeal”.