Bournemouth abortion clinic protesters lose prayer campaign case

The group 40 Days For Life holds anti-abortion vigils across the UK

Christian campaigners have lost a legal challenge to an order banning prayers outside an abortion clinic.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council imposed a "safe zone" in 2022 around the clinic in Bournemouth.

Campaigners Livia Tossici-Bolt and Christian Concern argued the Public Spaces Protection Order was illegal.

However, two High Court judges said any interference with human rights was justified by the "legitimate aim" of protecting the clinic's clients.

From about 2017, the council received reports of "alarm and distress" caused by protesters outside the British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinic, the judges said.

In October 2022, the authority introduced an order prohibiting prayer, sprinkling holy water and other activities within a defined area around the centre in Ophir Road.

Ms Tossici-Bolt, from the group "40 Days For Life", and Christian Concern argued the order banned "peaceful and lawful behaviour".

The council introduced a "safe zone" around the clinic in Ophir Road

However Lord Justice Warby and Mrs Justice Thornton said there was evidence the protests had caused harm.

They said: "It is, in our judgment, naïve and simplistic to suggest that activities of this kind in this context cannot be considered 'detrimental'... just because they are silent."

The judges added: "The protest activities described in the evidence, including silent prayer and the handing out of leaflets, were... outside a clinic to which women were resorting at particularly sensitive and difficult moments in their lives."

They said any interference with human rights was "justified by the legitimate aim of protecting the rights of women attending the clinic, their associates and the staff".

Christian Concern said it would appeal against the ruling.

A law to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales was passed in May.

However, the government has said it is launching a consultation on guidance before the buffer zones can be enforced.