Adam Smith-Connor, a British veteran, has been convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth, England. Smith-Connor, who was praying for his son lost to abortion over two decades ago, was fined £9,000 ($11,700) and given a two-year conditional discharge for violating a law banning prayer near abortion facilities.
The law, which prohibits any form of protest or prayer near abortion clinics, has sparked controversy among religious groups. Smith-Connor expressed disbelief at the ruling, stating, “All I did was pray to God in the privacy of my own mind, and yet I stand convicted as a criminal.”
This is not the first time UK authorities have taken action against individuals praying near abortion clinics. Pro-life activist Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was similarly detained last year but received compensation after being wrongfully arrested for silent prayer. Christian and pro-life groups are warning that such laws threaten fundamental religious freedoms.
New laws set to take effect in late October will expand the prohibition on prayer within 150 meters (492 feet) of clinics in England and Wales. Scotland has already enforced stricter rules, banning prayer within 200 meters (656 feet) of abortion facilities. Activists are fighting these laws, arguing that they infringe on personal freedoms.
