Britain’s House of Commons approved legislation on March 7 to create a “buffer zone” around abortion centres, which would prohibit a range of behavior, including prayer of silence.

Prior to the Public Order Act vote, an amendment to exclude prayers and consensual conversations, which often take place between pro-life activists and people attending abortion facilities, was rejected.

Likewise, the final vote came the day after a pro-life woman was arrested in Birmingham (United Kingdom) for the second time for secretly praying outside an abortion center, in alleged violation of local buffer zone laws.

Opponents of the law condemned the passing of the bill, calling it a blow to individual liberties in the UK.

“Today’s vote marks a defining moment for fundamental rights and freedoms in our country,” said Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal adviser for the UK-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF UK), on March 7.

“Parliament has the opportunity to reject the criminalization of freedom of thought, which is an inalienable right, and embrace individual freedom for all. Instead, Parliament voted to support censorship and criminalize peaceful activities such as silent prayer and consensual conversations,” he said.

Igunnubole warns that “today is abortion. Tomorrow could be another hot topic of political debate.”

In that sense, he explained that “the principle remains that no government should punish anyone for praying, let alone silent prayer and peaceful, consensual conversation.”

The bill would create a 150 meter buffer zone outside abortion facilities in England and Wales. Additionally, it prohibits intimidation, harassment, or interference by those seeking or providing abortions. Violations will be punished by fines and not jail, as was proposed. However, the financial penalty is potentially unlimited.

The law’s broad provisions prohibit any act that would “influence a person’s decision to access, provide or facilitate the provision of abortion services.”

Alithea Williams, public policy manager for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, warned that the buffer zone law “means ordinary citizens will be branded criminals and subject to crippling financial penalties for testifying peacefully and offering assistance.” to women in need.”

Williams also notes that the presence of pro-life advocates near abortion centers is “a real lifeline for women”, as “many children are alive today because their mothers received help and support from compassionate pro-life people outside the clinic.”

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On the other hand, she recalls that “many women felt pressured or forced to have abortions, and pro-life vigils gave them a choice. Now their choice has been made.”

In that sense, he described as “disappointing” the vote against the amendment to exclude silent prayer and consensual conversation within the buffer zone from the ban.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally posted on CNAs.