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The following infographics and videos were shared on social media on September 4, 2024. Sources – and direct links to view/share on multiple platforms – are provided at the bottom of this post. Please report broken links here.

Background

In 2022, U.K. police arrested Isabel Vaughan-Spruce for silently praying "in her head" near an abortion facility (violating a city ordinance) - sparking international outrage.

Vaughan-Spruce received a financial settlement from the police on August 19, 2024.

However, the U.K. is now considering revisions to a broader law - the Public Order Act - that would officially criminalize silent prayer in all designated "buffer zones," including 150 meters around abortion facilities.

The U.K. passed the Public Order Act in 2023, creating "buffer zones" around abortion facilities to guard against negative "influence." Parliament voted against allowing silent prayer; however, draft language later added in protections.

In August 2024, reports emerged that the law - which has yet to go into effect - may be revised to once again prohibit silent prayer. According to Policing Minister Diana Johnson:

We specifically voted against proposals to allow silent prayer... [allowing it is] not the will of Parliament.

Note: Videos of police interactions are included on slides two and four in the following post.

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✏️ References

Alliance Defending Freedom UK. (2022). Army vet criminally charged for committing a “thoughtcrime”.

Alliance Defending Freedom UK. (19 August 2024). Christian woman arrested for silent prayer receives compensation from police.

Alliance Defending Freedom UK. (30 December 2022). NEW: Details of charges against silently praying charity volunteer now public – prayer deemed “intimidating”.

Alliance Defending Freedom UK. (7 March 2023). Parliament introduces first “thought-crime” into UK law.

Alliance Defending Freedom UK. (19 January 2023). "What is the nature of your prayer?" authorities interrogate army veteran. YouTube: @adfuk.

All Thinks Prolife. (19 January 2023). Woman Arrested for Silently Praying. YouTube: @allthingsprolife.

Birmingham City Council. (7 September 2022). Robert Clinic, Station Road B30.

Gooding-Williams, P. (3 September 2023). United Kingdom: Silent prayer becomes thought crime. Daily Compass.

Holl-Allen, G. (15 August 2024). Home Office ‘considering banning silent prayer outside abortion clinics’. The Telegraph.

Koren, E. (28 March 2023). Prayer as Thought Crime. First Things.

Marsden, H. (August 2024). The battle for abortion buffer zones. The Week.

Standing for Freedom Center Staff. (19 July 2023). U.K. decides not to pursue action against Army veteran fined for silently praying outside of abortion clinic.

United Kingdom Legislation: Public Order Act 2023.

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