The UK Supreme Court has ruled that it is legal to ban pro-life demonstrations and activities on the perimeter of abortion clinics.
Northern Ireland’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill would legalize “buffer” zones around abortion clinics that would prohibit pro-life groups or protesters within 328 feet of an abortion provider abortion.
The Supreme Court upheld the law as “justifiable” and not in conflict with the nation’s constitution or the European Convention on Human Rights.
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A general view of the new Supreme Court on October 2, 2009 in London.
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Green Party leader Clare Bailey introduced the bill in September last year. It was approved on March 24 by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Northern Ireland Attorney General Brenda King referred the bill to the High Court out of concern that the bill’s broad perimeter banning pro-life rhetoric could breach the free speech protections of the European Convention on Human Rights.
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A protester holds a banner during a demonstration in September.
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The law prohibits both “direct” and “indirect” influence by pro-life groups, which includes not only pamphlets, but also silent demonstrations and prayers.
“Peaceful presence, mere conversation, quiet or silent prayer – these activities should never be criminalized in a democratic society like the UK,” said Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal adviser for Alliance Defending Freedom.
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An exterior view of the Supreme Court on September 13, 2016 in London.
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“Broadly worded Northern Ireland law grants arbitrary powers to police officers, with the inevitable consequence of unfair arrest and prosecution of those who express pro-life views, despite the fact that such views are protected by national and international human rights laws,” added Igunnubole.
Green Party member Gillian Mackay intends to introduce parallel legislation in the Scottish Parliament.
