With this ruling, the legal issues end for a local prayer group in Pforzheim, which are challenging the bans since 2019. Germany’s highest administrative court has protected freedom of assembly, but Federal minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus is planning to introduce censorship zones around abortion organisations.

While the Federal Administrative Court’s decision has upheld the Freedom of Assembly, the federal government still has stated plans to ban prayer vigils.

The prayer group in Pforzheim had already won the ruling at a regional court, which had confirmed the group’s right to peaceful assembly in August 2022. That ruling was appealed by the city of Pforzheim, but the new ruling confirms that the city has no appeal.

“I’m truly relieved. Our prayers really help, as affected women have told us over and over. I am grateful that we can continue our prayer vigils. Every human life is precious and deserves protection,” said Pavica Vojnović, leader of the prayer group, after the decision was handed down.

In 2019, the city of Pforzheim prohibited the group from praying within “eye and earshot” of the abortion organisation Pro Familia. Vojnović, the group’s leader, challenged the prohibition at court, arguing that it violated their right to freedom of assembly.

“Freedom of assembly and expression are cornerstones of democracy and the rule of law. That is why blanket bans on prayer assemblies based on mere allegations are contrary to fundamental rights. The courts have recognised this. Standing up for unborn children and peacefully expressing this opinion in front of abortion facilities cannot be banned by powerful lobby groups like pro familia,” said Tomislav Cunovic, Pavica Vojnovic’s lawyer.

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