A new UK law effective from October 31 will criminalize silent prayer outside abortion clinics by establishing 500 feet buffer zones.
The legislation prohibits activities that could “influence” someone seeking abortion services, including silent prayer, distributing leaflets or engaging in conversations.
Jess Phillips, the UK’s Safeguarding Minister said: “no one should feel unsafe when they seek to access [abortion].”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales expressed concern however, with Bishop John Sherrington saying “this legislation constitutes discrimination and disproportionately affects people of faith.”
Bishop Sherrington added that “religious freedom includes the right to manifest one’s private beliefs in public through witness, prayer, and charitable outreach.”
Critics also argue the law infringes on religious freedoms and is overly broad.
Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK, says “by banning ‘influencing’… the law is wide open to misinterpretation and abuse.”
Pray for an end to religious persecution! 🙏
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