On 28 October, in answer to a written question from Sir John Hayes (Con, South Holland and The Deepings) asking the Minister for Women and Equalities “if she will amend the Equality Act 2010 to protect the right of people to silently pray in the United Kingdom”, Anneliese Dodds replied as follows:

“Anyone should be able to privately pray when at work or accessing services and the religion or belief protections in the Equality Act 2010 (the Act) already ensure this. The Act does not take precedence over other civil or criminal law. Accordingly, amendment of the Act in this regard would not be appropriate.”

On Thursday, the Home Office published draft guidance on activities within safe access zones around abortion clinics that includes the following: Continue reading →