The US State Department has publicly expressed disappointment following the conviction of a British woman under the UK’s abortion clinic buffer zone law.
Livia Tossici-Bolt, a 64-year-old local leader of a US-based pro-life organization, was found guilty on April 4 for breaching a protection order that prohibits ‘influencing behaviors’ within 500 feet of an abortion clinic or other public spaces.
Tossici-Bolt stood silently near the facility on two days in March 2023 holding a sign that read “Here to talk, if you want.” The sign did not reference abortion or religion, and no direct harassment was witnessed.
Regardless, a court ruled that Tossici-Bolt’s conduct violated the order, stating that she lacked awareness of the potential impact her presence could have on clinic visitors and staff.
In response, the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor posted on X, F.K.A Twitter: “We are disappointed with the UK court’s conviction. Freedom of expression must be protected for all.”
Tossici-Bolt said she was “grateful” for the U.S. government’s attention to her case and maintained her actions were lawful and peaceful.
Legal representation from Alliance Defending Freedom International reported that she is considering an appeal of the conviction.
Editorial credit: Steve Travelguide / Shutterstock.com
