According to the government spokesperson, these ‘zones’ will make it a criminal offence to sway someone’s decision to opt for abortion, including harassment and intimidation. The UK Home Office corroborated that anyone who violates the law could face an unlimited fine. 

Religious organisations have expressed their concern in regard to the vagueness of the legal descriptions in the law. Even though silent prayer has not been added to the list, they believe the law can be distorted and violated. They are afraid that Christians will still be susceptible to arrest. Charity volunteer Isobel Vaughan-Spruce and Catholic priest Father Sean Gough were both arrested for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Eventually, criminal charges were dropped against them in March 2022. Mrs Vaughan-Spruce was awarded a £13,000 settlement amount and received an apology from the police for wrongful arrest, human rights violation and false imprisonment.

Lois McLatchie Miller from Alliance Defending Freedom UK voiced her uncertainty: “If I’m a friend or a mother asking someone, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Is that considered an influence? If you’re having a consensual conversation between two friends, is that influence? And, of course, if you’re simply praying—does that count? We’ve already seen in local buffer zones, introduced by councils, that people have been put on trial simply for their thoughts.” 

Alliance Defending Freedom UK members urge the government to provide a “clear, consistent, and predictable” legal explanation to guarantee fair rulings.

John Sherrington, the Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, joined the ADF in raising concerns about discrimination against Christians: “Safe access zone legislation is unnecessary and disproportionate. In practice, and despite any other intention, this legislation constitutes discrimination and disproportionately affects people of faith. Religious freedom is the foundational freedom of any free and democratic society, essential for the flourishing and realisation of the dignity of every human person. Religious freedom includes the right to manifest one’s private beliefs in public through witness, prayer and charitable outreach, including outside abortion facilities.”

Source: https://premierchristian.news/