Praying in silence within 'buffer zones' in the UK is not guaranteed to be a criminal act
In England and Wales, a national 'buffer zone' law went into effect on October 31, making it a crime to influence, obstruct, or cause harassment, alarm, or distress related to accessing abortion services within a 150-meter radius of a clinic. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has clarified that silent prayer within these zones is not automatically a criminal offence.
The CPS guidance states that prosecutors must consider the full context and specific circumstances of the conduct, including where and how it occurs, before deciding whether to pursue charges. Not all activities within buffer zones, including silent prayer, necessarily amount to criminal behavior.
This clarification comes after cases such as that of Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor, who was prosecuted and sentenced for praying silently in a Bournemouth clinic buffer zone. The nuanced application of the law was highlighted by such instances.
Pro-life activists like Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who was recently compensated after arrest for praying near an abortion clinic, have called the passing of the law a "national disgrace." Evangelical Focus, a campaigning organisation, has invited supporters to join the #OneMoreYearEF campaign, suggesting a sustainability challenge ahead.
Activities prohibited within the zones include violent offences such as spitting, threats, assaults, verbal abuse, as well as non-violent activities like 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), and other similar activities.
The law, which is part of a public order law passed in 2023, was initially met with debates over whether silent prayers were permitted. The rule is intended to protect vulnerable women, according to Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. Abortion is legally permitted before 24 weeks in England, Scotland, and Wales, with two doctor approvals.
It's important to note that people who breach the law could face an unlimited fine. As the implementation of this law continues, it remains to be seen how the CPS will apply the guidance in practice, particularly in cases involving silent prayer.
[1] Source: Evangelical Focus's website.
The CPS guidance emphasizes that prosecutors must consider the context and circumstances of conduct within buffer zones before deciding whether to pursue charges, as not all activities – such as silent prayer – are necessarily criminal behavior. The law, which includes a ban on activities like silent prayer within buffer zones, has sparked debate and criticism from pro-life activists who consider it a national disgrace.
