Christians Who ‘Audibly Pray’, ‘Recite Scripture’, or ‘Cross Themselves’ in Abortion ‘Safe Zone’ Face Prison

by Peter Caddle

Christians who are caught “praying”, “reciting scripture”, or “crossing themselves” near an abortion centre could be sentenced to up to six months in jail in the United Kingdom.

British officials are pushing to have Christians who practice their faith too close to abortion centres jailed under revamped crackdown rules aimed at curbing protests against the practice.

Under current legislation, it can already be an offence to “audibly pray” within so-called “Safe Zones” established around some abortion centres, with those running afoul of the rules liable for a fine of up to £1,000 (~$1,100).

Those who “recite scripture, genuflect, sprinkle holy water on the ground or cross themselves if they perceive a service-users is [sic] passing by” are also liable for fines under the existing regime in one “Safe Zone” administered by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council (BCP Council), for example.

However, according to a report by The Telegraph, government bigwigs are looking to greatly expand the severity of penalties for those who fall foul of their rules, with new plans aimed at cracking down on such protests including provisions to jail offenders for up to six months should they be perceived as protesting within a buffer zone.