Abortion censorship zones now in place in England and Wales

The government implemented censorship zones in England and Wales that prohibited praying and offering help to pregnant women outside abortion centres.

From today, people can receive unlimited fines for “any conduct that intentionally or recklessly influences a person’s decision to seek abortion services, obstructs those services, or causes harassment or distress” within 150 meters of the premises where the abortion is performed.

The government recently abandoned guidance telling police silent prayer should not be criminalised, and the Constabulary and Crown Prosecution Service will now issue new guidance.

‘Dystopic’

David Greatorex, Head of Policy and Research at the Christian Institute, said: “These restrictions are a clear attack on freedom of expression and religious freedom. There are already laws against harassment, but censorship zones can go beyond speech and even ban praying in your own head.

“And these areas will cost lives. “There are people alive today because their mothers met someone who was ready to offer an alternative to abortion.”

Similar zones came into effect in Scotland last month, while pro-life testimonies have also been banned near abortion centers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Private prayer

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

Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court ruled that the veteran had breached the county’s ban on “prayers and unsanctioned acts” by bowing his head and folding his hands.

Mr Smith-Connor was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £9,000 and faces a prison sentence if convicted of further related offenses within the next two years.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel at religious freedom group Alliance Defending Freedom UK, which backed the case, said: “We cannot sink any lower in neglecting the fundamental fundamental freedoms of freedom of expression and thought. “We will review the decision closely and consider appeal options.”