Abortion clinic ‘buffer zones’ which would see prayers banned could conflict with human rights, Gov admits

Oct 27, 2022 by Jill

from Premier:

The government is ploughing ahead with its decision to create buffer zones around abortion clinics across England and Wales, despite concerns that they could infringe upon the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

On Tuesday 18, following cross-party support, an amendment was made to the Public Order Bill. If the bill were to come into force, the amendment would make it an offence to gather outside medical centres where abortions are performed. It’s believed the offence would include public prayer and the singing of hymns.

The move sparked frustration from some pro-life Christians that choose to gather in such areas to provide spiritual support, or spread the gospel.

However, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Steve for the Home Office, Lord Sharpe of Epsom, has now published a written ministerial statement stating his belief that at the amendment renders the bill incompatible with the ECHR.

Despite the possible conflict, he says the Government intends to press ahead with the plans.

Section 19 of the Human Rights Act requires any minister in charge of a Bill to lay a statement before the Bill’s second reading stipulating whether or not the document is in accordance with human rights law.

Read here