Under the previous administration, the Home Office issued draft non-statutory guidance on abortion clinic safe access zones, (January 2024). This included the section:

“[2.7] Prayer within a Safe Access Zone should not automatically be seen as unlawful. Prayer has long received legal protection in the United Kingdom and these protections have not changed as a result of section 9 [of the Public Order Act 2023]. Silent prayer, being the engagement of the mind and thought in prayer towards God, is protected as an absolute right under the Human Rights Act 1998 and should not, on its own, be considered to be an offence under any circumstances. However, where an individual is praying, but their conduct is also intrusive, this is likely to be an offence under section 9.”

The consultation concluded on 22 January 2024; however, there has been no feedback. On 18 September 2024, the Home Office reported that safe access buffer zones would be in force around abortion clinics from 31 October 2024 “to bring in stronger safeguards for women accessing services”. The Press Release states: Continue reading →