‘Buffer Zones’: U.K. Parliament Affirms Ban On Silent Prayer Around All Abortion Facilities

With the passage of a new Act, the Parliament of Great Britain has dealt a severe blow to fundamental freedoms. Bill Tuesday saw the rollout of so-called “buffer zones” Every abortion facility in England and Wales is covered. The Public Order Bill establishes 150-meter censorship zones prohibiting any form of censorship. “influence,” Wherever abortions are performed, this includes silent prayer and consensual talks. The U.K., which is home to many of the fundamental freedoms enjoyed in the West, leads the charge for a new age of thought-crime prosecution.

To understand the enormous human rights implications of the new law, one only needs to look at recent arrests. There have been severe violations of freedom to expression in areas where censorship zones were already in place. Take, for instance, the viral Arrest of Isabel Vaughan-SpruceThis case is a reminder of the chaos created by censorship zones. Isabel was arrested for the first time in December. “crime” She was seen praying in peace on a sidewalk that is deemed a censorship zone close to an abortion facility in Birmingham, England. In February, she was acquitted Only to be fully present in court Arrest Once again, I am grateful for the inexplicable act of silent prayer that occurred on Monday of this week.

The second incident was being investigated by the arresting officer. Comment: “You’ve said you’re engaging in prayer, which is the offense.” Isabel counters with: “Silent prayer.” His response says it all —”You were still engaging in prayer, which is the offense.” Censorship zones allow authorities to arrest peaceful citizens based only on their thoughts. This is a terrible failure in a democratic society, where everyone should be able to freely express themselves and their thoughts at any place they choose.

Isabel was not the only one to suffer what she went through. Catholic priest Father Sean Gough He was also convicted and sentenced to prison. “not guilty,” Isabel for being silent in prayer in the same area as him. He was also charged with having anabolic steroids. “unborn lives matter” He had a bumper sticker attached to his car while it was parked in the area. Veteran of the Army Adam Smith-Connor was fined for silent prayer in Bournemouth, England. Bournemouth is a prime example of censorship zone lunacy. The city has a very specific censorship zone. OrdinanceSignposts indicating prohibited activities are posted with alarming signs. These prohibited activities include kneeling, reading Scripture, and praying. “act of approval/disapproval” toward abortion.

Most shockingly, debates over the new nationwide law showed that pro-censorship MPs consider the targeting of specific targets to be unacceptable. silent prayer acceptable. It’s no accident that the new prohibitions include prayer in all forms. This led to a Parliamentary vote for an amendment to the bill that would exclude prayer and consensual communication. failed With 116 votes for and 299 against. 299 British members of Parliament believe that prayer should be an offense in certain public spaces. Let that sink in.

There is no doubt that the new law will lead to many more abuses like those committed by Father Sean, Adam, Isabel and Father Sean. The country is now at real risk of having peaceful citizens sanctioned for exercising their fundamental right to think, pray and act according to their convictions. Some parts of the U.K. also are seeing an escalating trend in violence. violent crimes Without adequate response from law enforcement. What happens when police resources already stretched are used to patrol for prayer instead?

Censorship-zone aficionados will often cite harassment to justify these harsh measures. However, this is a gross distortion of their intended effect. Censorship zones don’t “buffer” Harassment of women is a serious offense. Harassment is a crime that is wrong. It is therefore already criminalized in the United Kingdom. It is obvious that these zones are not intended to protect women. What they do is give the state the power to stifle views that are deemed disagreeable—in this case the view that both women and their unborn children are worthy of protection.

Today, the U.K. state’s silencing power is being used full-throttle to oppose the pro-life view. Tomorrow, censorship areas could be used to target another issue. The U.K. Parliament has made it possible for ever-proliferating statecensorship.

Let this be a clear warning for all those involved with protecting fundamental freedoms. The First Amendment protections in the U.S. must be vigorously defended. The thought police is real and available to assist across the pond. Prayer is not a crime and no one should be punished for living peacefully and thinking according to their beliefs.

Elyssa Koren, an international human rights lawyer and director for legal communications, is a member of the International Human Rights Lawyers Association. ADF International. Follow her on Twitter: @Elyssa_Koren 

The opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Wire.

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