Scottish politician seeks to criminalise “influencing” a person’s decision about assisted suicide 

  • Scottish Green Party’s Patrick Harvie proposes a censored “buffer zone” around facilities where assisted suicides might take place, preventing family members or concerned individuals from changing a person’s mind 
  • Move echoes abortion “buffer zones” law enacted in Scotland last year, under which a grandmother was arrested for offering a conversation 

EDINBURGH (29 October 2025) – A Scottish parliamentarian and member of the Health Committee, Patrick Harvie MSP, has proposed an amendment to Scotland’s controversial “assisted suicide” bill that would criminalise discussion of suicide prevention  within a large, undefined public area surrounding any building where an assisted suicide might take place. 

The vague proposal would forbid any attempts to “influence” a person’s decision to undergo an assisted suicide, such as through conversation with a family member or the display of a suicide prevention poster.

"It's unthinkable that Scots should be banned on certain streets from offering hope and encouraging someone to choose life, not suicide."

- Lois McLatchie Miller, ADF International

Almost half of those who opted for assisted suicides in Oregon cited concerns about being a perceived “burden on family, friends or caregivers” as a driver for their decision to end their lives, according to public health data released in 2023. 

Concerns for Free Speech

The move echoes the “buffer zones” law put in place in Scotland last year, which criminalises any attempts to “influence” a person’s decision to access abortion services within 200m of every hospital.  

In August, 75-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty became the first person to be arrested under the abortion “buffer zones” law after she peacefully offered consensual conversation, holding a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want”. The U.S. State Department condemned the arrest as “another egregious example of the tyrannical suppression of free speech happening across Europe.” ADF International is supporting her legal defence as she faces trial in December. 

At the Munich Security Conference in February, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticised the Scottish buffer zones law, summarising that “free speech, I fear, is in retreat”.

Reacting to Harvie’s proposal, Lois McLatchie Miller from ADF International said: 

“It’s unthinkable that Scots should be banned on certain streets from offering hope and encouraging someone to choose life, not suicide.  

How will this impact a doctor’s choice to have a suicide-prevention charity’s poster in their window? How will this impact important conversations between loved ones, eager to convince an elderly wife or a parent that they are not a burden, but a valuable member of the family? 

“Once the principle of a censorial ‘buffer zone’ is approved for one issue, it can easily multiply to more and more issues. We’ve already seen loosely worded abortion ‘buffer zone’ rules be used to arrest a grandmother simply for offering to chat. Now the government seeks to apply the same vague, broad rules to ban speech about assisted suicide. What could be next? Banning parents from “influencing” their child outside a gender clinic? Banning dissenting speech about foreign regimes around certain embassies? Censorship is always a slippery slope.” 

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PICTURED: Rose Docherty, Lois McLatchie Miller

U.S. State Department: Arrest of Scottish Christian Grandmother is “Tyrannical”

  • Christian grandmother arrested a second time; criminally charged for holding a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” within 200m of a hospital
  • “The arrest of Rose Docherty is another egregious example of the tyrannical suppression of free speech happening across Europe”, warns U.S. State Department 

GLASGOW (29 September 2025) – The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the arrest of 75-year-old Rose Docherty, as seen in a viral video over the weekend. 

The Glasgwegian grandmother has been criminally charged for holding a sign within 200m of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, reading: 

“Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” 

In Scotland, “buffer zones” are enforced within 200m of every hospital, forbidding harassment, intimidation, and “influencing” of anyone seeking to access abortion services.  

"The United States will always speak out against these violations of fundamental rights."

- U.S. State Department Spokesperson

Responding to the arrest, the U.S. State Department told the Telegraph: 

“The arrest of Rose Docherty is another egregious example of the tyrannical suppression of free speech happening across Europe. 

“When 75-year-old grandmothers are being arrested for standing peacefully and offering conversation, common sense and basic civility are under attack. 

“The United States will always speak out against these violations of fundamental rights.” 

Despite only having offered consensual conversation and not having approached any individual, nor making any statement on abortion – Docherty has been charged with breaching the “buffer zone.” 

Reacting to her arrest, Rose Docherty said: 

“Everybody has the right to engage in consensual conversation. I held my sign with love and compassion, inviting anyone who wants to chat, to do so – and stood peacefully, not approaching anyone.  

“I should not be treated as a criminal for inviting people to chat with me – lending a listening ear. Conversation is not forbidden on the streets of Glasgow. And yet, this is the second time I have been arrested for doing just that.” 

In August, Scottish authorities dropped their case against Docherty for holding the same sign in the same place after a global outcry against the 75-year-old grandmother’s arrest, including concerns raised in an online post by the U.S. State Department. 

After her arrest this week, Docherty was held in custody for several hours. She was refused a chair to sit on in her cell, despite making it known that she had a double hip replacement. 

Docherty has been charged and released on bail. Stringent bail conditions prevent her from attending an area marked out to be wider than the initial “buffer zone” area, in a move the legal team at ADF International call “disproportionate”.  

Legal Counsel for ADF International, Lorcan Price commented: 

“It’s deeply concerning that Scottish policing resources are being ploughed into arresting and prosecuting a peaceful grandmother offering to speak to people in public, rather than focusing on the problems caused by real crime in Glasgow. 

“This is not a case about harassment, intimidation or violent protest – this is simply a grandmother, who held a sign offering to speak to anyone who would like to engage.” 

The law’s architect, Gillian Mackay MSP, admitted on BBC Scotland earlier this year that the vague prohibitions in the buffer zones law could criminalise someone for praying visibly from a window in their home within the zone, “depending on who’s passing by the window.” 

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted this law as a particular matter for concern in his Munich Security Conference speech in February of this year. 

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Pictured: Rose Docherty, Lorcan Price (ADF International)

Glasgow Grandmother arrested AGAIN for offering conversations in abortion “buffer zone”

  • Christian grandmother arrested a second time; criminally charged for holding a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” within 200m of a hospital
  • Rose Docherty, aged 75, left without chair for two hours in a police cell – despite having two hip replacements 

GLASGOW (27 September 2025) – 75-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty has been arrested a second time and criminally charged for holding a sign within 200m of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, reading: 

“Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” 

In Scotland, “buffer zones” are enforced within 200m of every hospital, forbidding harassment, intimidation, and “influencing” of anyone seeking to access abortion services.  

“I should not be treated as a criminal for inviting people to chat with me – lending a listening ear."

- Rose Docherty

Despite only having stood silently offering consensual conversation and not having approached any individual, Docherty has been charged with breaching the “buffer zone.” 

Reacting to her arrest, Rose Docherty said: 

“Everybody has the right to engage in consensual conversation. I held my sign with love and compassion, inviting anyone who wants to chat, to do so – and stood peacefully, not approaching anyone.  

“I should not be treated as a criminal for inviting people to chat with me – lending a listening ear. Conversation is not forbidden on the streets of Glasgow. And yet, this is the second time I have been arrested for doing just that.” 

In August, Scottish authorities dropped their case against Docherty for holding the same sign in the same place after a global outcry against the 75-year-old grandmother’s arrest, including concerns raised in an online post by the U.S. State Department. 

After her arrest this week, Docherty was held in custody for several hours. She was refused a chair to sit on in her cell, despite making it known that she had a double hip replacement. 

Docherty has been charged and released on bail. Stringent bail conditions prevent her from attending an area marked out to be wider than the initial “buffer zone” area, in a move the legal team at ADF International call “disproportionate”.  

Legal Counsel for ADF International, Lorcan Price commented: 

“It’s deeply concerning that Scottish policing resources are being ploughed into arresting and prosecuting a peaceful grandmother offering to speak to people in public, rather than focusing on the problems caused by real crime in Glasgow. 

“This is not a case about harassment, intimidation or violent protest – this is simply a grandmother, who held a sign offering to speak to anyone who would like to engage.” 

The law’s architect, Gillian Mackay MSP, admitted on BBC Scotland earlier this year that the vague prohibitions in the buffer zones law could criminalise someone for praying visibly from a window in their home within the zone, “depending on who’s passing by the window.” 

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted this law as a particular matter for concern in his Munich Security Conference speech in February of this year. 

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Pictured: Rose Docherty, Lorcan Price (ADF International)

UN Expert: Vilification of Parents Protecting Children From Gender Transition is “Disturbing” 

Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls
  • Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls, speaks up for parents who have been left “vilified, ostracised or even separated from their children” because of their concerns about child “transition”
     
  • UN Expert joined by detransitioner Chloe Cole, urging governments to empower parents to protect children from life-altering medical interventions

GENEVA (8 September 2025) – The UN Expert on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, has issued a moving appeal to governments to end the vilification of parents who protect their children from “gender transition” procedures. 

Speaking via video, Alsalem warned against the “dangerous narrative” that children can make fully informed adult-level decisions about their health. “Parents and legal guardians must be part of these processes from the very beginning. Yet, in many countries, parents who do not want to endorse a ‘gender-affirmative’ approach to their children’s distress have too often been left unsupported at best, or vilified, ostracized, or even separated from their children. This is very disturbing…” she said.  

"...parents who do not want to endorse a ‘gender-affirmative’ approach to their children’s distress have too often been... vilified, ostracized, or even separated from their children."

- Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls

Addressing a panel coordinated by ADF International at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Alsalem was joined by detransitioner and campaigner Chloe Cole, who urged global leaders to strengthen the role of parents and shield children from harmful medical interventions and ideological pressures. 

“I appeal to you: we must ensure these failures are never again repeated and that childhood is truly protected as the fragile and yet beautiful part of life that it is,” said Cole, who underwent gender transition procedures as a teenager before detransitioning. 

An Appeal to Empower Parents

Cole, a detransitioner and youth activist from California, described undergoing medical interventions – including puberty blockers and testosterone starting at age 13, and a double mastectomy at 15 – before her body and brain were fully developed. 

“My mom and dad have always advocated fiercely for my safety and health, but were not empowered to fulfill their irreplaceable role as guardians of my well-being. On the contrary, their protective instincts were undermined by systems and professionals who claimed expertise but withheld the truth. They stood no chance when doctors gave them the false ultimatum of choosing between losing a daughter to suicide or having a living ‘son’,” Cole told State and UN representatives gathered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

Cole’s testimony was featured as part of a UN Human Rights Council side event titled “Empowering Parents to Protect Children’s Health and Well-being,” co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the UN in Geneva and ADF International, with sponsorship from the Permanent Missions of The Gambia, Algeria, Argentina, Qatar, Vaunatu, and Uzbekistan; as well as Non-Governmental Organisations including Juristes pour l’Enfance, Asociacion la Familia Importa, Latter Day Saints Charities, the Center for Fundamental Rights, and The Heritage Foundation. 

Adding to the call, Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy at ADF International, reminded participants that international law recognizes the family as the “fundamental group unit of society”:

“The family must not be viewed as a competitor to the State, nor parents as obstacles to children’s rights. They are the children’s first and best guardians—entrusted by nature and recognized by law.”

Mazzoli called on governments to implement policies that respect parental guidance in education, healthcare, and identity-related decisions, ensuring that children receive care in the context of loving, informed families. 

The panel also included Dr. Fanni Lajkó of Hungary’s Center for Fundamental Rights, who highlighted Hungary’s best practices for strengthening families, including reduced household costs, subsidized home loans, and generous child-raising allowances.  

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Pictured: Reem Alsalem; Chloe Cole; Giorgio Mazzoli

U.S. State Department Doubles Down on Warning to UK: “Buffer Zones” are an “Egregious Violation” of Free Speech 

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce in 2022.
  • State Department issues a further condemnation of Britain’s “egregious” buffer zones, warning of a “concerning departure” from shared UK-US values
  • Birmingham Christian Isabel Vaughan-Spruce is back under investigation for silently praying near an abortion facility 
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce in 2022.

WASHINGTON, D.C. / LONDON (19 August 2025) – The United States has issued its strongest warning yet to the UK over so-called “buffer zones”, which have been used to target silent prayer and peaceful expression outside abortion facilities. 

In a comment to the Telegraph, the US State Department accused the UK government of committing an “egregious violation of the fundamental right to free speech and religious liberty.”

“It is common sense that standing silently and offering consensual conversation does not constitute harm.”

- U.S. State Department Spokesperson

The comment comes in response to cases in which individuals – some elderly – have been arrested, charged, or even criminally convicted for simply for praying silently or offering consensual conversations within large censored zones outside abortion facilities.

Under current legislation in England & Wales, “influencing” a person’s decision to access an abortion facility, within 150m of the facility, is a crime carrying a potentially unlimited fine.

In Scotland, similar legislation exists, censoring the area within 200m of all hospitals.

A State Department spokesman told The Telegraph: 

“The United States is still monitoring many ‘buffer zone’ cases in the UK, as well as other acts of censorship throughout Europe. 

“The UK’s persecution of silent prayer represents not only an egregious violation of the fundamental right to free speech and religious liberty, but also a concerning departure from the shared values that ought to underpin US-UK relations.  

“It is common sense that standing silently and offering consensual conversation does not constitute harm.” 

Free Speech in Retreat

The US government’s statement echoes Vice President JD Vance’s warning earlier this year at the Munich Security Conference, where he said free speech is “in retreat” across Europe, particularly in Britain. During Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the White House, the Vice President directly raised concerns about the UK’s restriction of free speech. 

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The US State Department’s latest Human Rights Report also highlighted “credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression” in the UK. 

Individuals Targeted for Prayer or Conversation

Among those punished under the laws is Livia Tossici-Bolt, a retired biomedical scientist, who received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £20,000 in costs after standing near a Bournemouth abortion facility holding a sign that read: “Here to talk if you want to.” She described her prosecution as “a dark day for Great Britain.” 

Adam Smith-Connor, an army veteran, was convicted in November for praying silently for a few minutes in his head near the same abortion facility in Bournemouth, and ordered to pay £9,000 in costs. 

In Scotland, Rose Docherty, 75, was arrested in February for standing outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital with a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” Last week, Scottish authorities dropped their case against her and guaranteed they would return her sign. 

And recently, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce – a charitable volunteer who has supported mothers in crisis for over 20 years – was placed back under investigation for praying silently near an abortion facility in Birmingham, despite having won £13,000 in compensation from West Midlands Police last year for having unfairly arrested her twice before for the same activity. 

“Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are cornerstones of any free society,” said Lorcan Price, Irish Barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International.  

“The UK’s treatment of individuals like Livia, Adam, Isabel and Rose for the false ‘crimes’ of praying silently or offering conversation shows just how far the country has strayed from its own proud traditions of liberty. The US State Department is right to call out this injustice. It is time for the UK government to restore fundamental freedoms, and repeal buffer zone legislation.” 

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Pictured: Isabel Vaughan-Spruce; Rose Docherty; Adam Smith-Connor; Livia Tossici-Bolt; Lorcan Price (ADF International)

U.S. State Department Applauds Scotland’s Decision to Drop Case Against Pro-Life Grandmother Rose Dov

U.S. State Department Applauds Scotland’s Decision to Drop Case Against Pro-Life Grandmother Rose Docherty
  • Washington voices support after authorities back down from prosecuting grandmother arrested under Scotland’s “buffer zone” law 
  • Rose Docherty, 75, held a sign reading “coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want”

GLASGOW (18 August 2025) – The United States Department of State has welcomed Scotland’s decision to drop legal action against 75-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty, who was arrested earlier this year for holding a sign offering peaceful conversation near Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. 

In a statement to The Telegraph, a State Department spokesperson said: 

“We applaud Scotland’s sensible decision to refrain from further legal action against Rose Docherty.

“The United States stands with all those fighting for free speech and religious liberty.” 

Docherty, a lifelong Glaswegian, was arrested and later issued a formal warning in February 2025 after standing quietly within 200 metres of the hospital – an area covered by Scotland’s new “buffer zone” law. Her sign read: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” 

““We applaud Scotland’s sensible decision to refrain from further legal action against Rose Docherty.

- U.S. State Dept. Spokesperson

The law prohibits harassment, intimidation, or attempts to influence somebody’s decision to access an abortion facility. Despite engaging in none of these activities, Docherty was arrested and issued with a formal warning, which would have required her to admit wrongdoing and refrain from similar actions in the future. 

Docherty refused to accept the warning, maintaining that she had broken no law. This week, the Procurator Fiscal confirmed the case has been dropped and the warning withdrawn.  

Authorities also agreed to return her sign. 

Reacting to the decision, Rose Docherty said: 

“This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation.  

“I stood with love and compassion, ready to listen to anyone who wanted to talk. Criminalising kindness has no place in a free society.” 

Concerns about the buffer zones legislation escalated earlier this year when the law’s architect, Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay, admitted in a BBC interview that even visible prayer in a private home could be considered an offence if seen from within a buffer zone. 

Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish spokesperson for ADF International, which supported Rose Docherty’s defence, said: 

“Every Scot has the right to speak freely and to offer compassionate conversation without fear of prosecution. 

“It’s vital for allies to stand together in defence of this fundamental freedom, and we welcome the outpouring of support Rose has received both at home and abroad, including from the United States, which is a key voice for the protection of free speech worldwide.” 

ADF International will continue supporting individuals like Docherty, defending their right to peacefully express beliefs without fear of criminalisation. 

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Prosecutor Backs Down in Case Against Scottish Grandmother in Major Free Speech Victory

U.S. State Department Applauds Scotland’s Decision to Drop Case Against Pro-Life Grandmother Rose Docherty
  • Procurator Fiscal withdraws warning, confirms Rose Docherty will not be charged for offering consensual, peaceful conversation inside abortion “buffer zone” in Glasgow 
  • Docherty held a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, if you want” – ADF International co-ordinated her legal defence

GLASGOW (14 August 2025) – In a win for freedom of expression in Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal has decided not to proceed with a prosecution against 75-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty, who was arrested earlier this year for holding a sign offering to talk with anyone who wished (see video above).  

The authorities have further guaranteed that Docherty’s sign will be returned to her from Police Scotland. 

"This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation."

- Rose Docherty

On 19 February 2025, Docherty – a lifelong Glaswegian – stood peacefully within 200 metres of Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth II Hospital campus holding a sign that read:

“Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”

Her quiet presence fell within the so-called “buffer zone” around the hospital, where a new law prohibits harassment, intimidation, or influencing decisions about abortion. Despite engaging in none of these activities, Rose was arrested and later offered a formal warning requiring her to admit wrongdoing and refrain from similar actions in future.

Refusing to compromise her conscience by admitting to an offence she did not commit, Docherty – supported by the legal team at ADF International – rejected the warning outright. This week, the Procurator Fiscal confirmed the case has been dropped and the warning withdrawn.

Reacting to the news, Rose Docherty said:

“This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation.

“I stood with love and compassion, ready to listen to anyone who wanted to talk. Criminalising kindness has no place in a free society.”

Lorcan Price, Irish Barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International, said:

“No one should fear arrest for offering a consensual conversation. Rose’s case is a stark example of how ‘buffer zone’ laws can be weaponised to silence peaceful expression. 

“We are relieved that common sense has prevailed, but the fact that Rose was arrested and threatened with prosecution shows the urgent need to protect fundamental freedoms in Scotland.”

Docherty’s arrest drew international attention, with the US State Department publicly expressing concern about her arrest, adding: “Freedom of expression needs to be protected.  We call on governments, whether in Scotland or around the world, to respect freedom of expression for all.”

Gillian Mackay admits buffer zones impact prayer within homes

In February, Gillian Mackay MSP admitted that prayer by a window in one’s own home could be an offence within a buffer zone – depending on who is passing by.

Speaking to BBC’s “Scotcast” Podcast, the Green Party Politician repeatedly denied that prayer was being criminalised under the law. 

But when asked if “performative prayer” with “clasped hands”, visible from a window, could be prosecuted, she responded: “well, that depends on who’s passing by the window…”

The admission came despite previously accusing US President JD Vance of spreading “shameless misinformation” when he highlighted concerns that “even private prayer within [people’s] own homes may amount to breaking the law” in his Munich Security Conference Speech earlier this year.

Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish spokesperson for ADF International, said: 

“We were concerned when such legislation was proposed that we’d witness a slippery slope of censorship. Less than a year after the law coming into force, Gillian Mackay has admitted that it could impact silent prayer even in private homes, depending on who’s passing by the window. And what’s more, we’ve seen an innocent grandmother arrested just for offering conversation. Who are the authorities to determine which conversations, thoughts, or prayers members of the public do or don’t want to have?”

ADF International will continue to offer legal support to individuals like Rose Docherty, defending the right to peacefully engage in conversation or prayer without fear of criminalisation.

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U.S. State Dept. Highlights Alarming Decline in Free Speech in the United Kingdom 

Adam Smith-Connor

  • New report notes “significant human rights issues” including criminal and civil laws which limit free expression 

  • Case of army veteran convicted for silent prayer highlighted as example of censorship crisis 

Adam Smith-Connor

LONDON (13 August 2025) – A newly released U.S. State Department Human Rights Report has sounded the alarm over mounting restrictions on freedom of expression in the United Kingdom – both in public spaces and online. 

The “2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices”, published this week, notes that “the human rights situation worsened in the United Kingdom” during the year 2024, adding: 

“Significant human rights issues included credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression, including enforcement of or threat of criminal or civil laws in order to limit expression…” 

“Significant human rights issues included credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression."

- State Department's "2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: UK"

Criminalizing Peaceful Expression in Public Spaces

The report identifies buffer zone laws which restrict “influence” around abortion facilities as matters of concern in the restriction of free expression.  

Citizens have been prosecuted for engaging in silent prayer or for peacefully offering information within these zones. 

The report notes that such restrictions criminalize even “efforts to influence others when inside a restricted area, even through prayer”.

The State Department notes that “in October, an individual was convicted in England for engaging in silent prayer…”. Adam Smith-Connor – an army veteran and father of two – was tried and convicted for praying silently for a few minutes across the road from an abortion facility in Bournemouth, where a local “buffer zone” was in place. Smith-Connor was ordered to pay £9,000 in costs. With support from ADF International, he is appealing the ruling later this year. 

J.D. Vance highlighted this case as one of the worst examples of censorship in Europe during his speech at the Munich Security Conference in Munich. 

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Broad and Vague Speech Crimes Online

Looking at the online world, the report highlights the Online Safety Act 2023, which came into force in 2024, which threatens free speech online and “expressly expanded Ofcom’s authority to include American media and technology firms with a substantial number of British users, regardless of whether they had a corporate presence in the UK…

“…Experts warned that one effect of the bill could be government regulation to reduce or eliminate effective encryption (and therefore user privacy) on platforms,” noted the State Department. 

The report also highlighted that in April 2024, Scotland implemented the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, introducing sweeping new offenses for “stirring up hatred” through speech or online communication. The penalty for speech deemed to be offensive under this law is up to seven years imprisonment. 

Reacting to the report, Lorcan Price, Irish Barrister & Legal Counsel for ADF International in London, said: 

“It’s plain to see that the censorship crisis is worsening in the UK – from citizens being arrested and prosecuted just for praying in their heads, to the Online Safety Act clamping down on free expression online. Whilst these developments are deeply concerning, it’s encouraging to see Britain’s US allies highlight these issues, as more and more Brits speak out in defence of our hard-fought freedom of speech.” 

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Pictured: Adam Smith-Connor; Lorcan Price (ADF International)

Christian Arrested for Silent Prayer Back Under Investigation

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce who was arrested for silent prayer in the UK.
  • Crown Prosecution Service to advise on charging Isabel Vaughan-Spruce again for praying silently near abortion facility in Birmingham
  • Charitable volunteer, who was cleared in court and received a payout from police for being unjustly arrested twice for her silent prayers, has been consistently praying in same location for twenty years
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce who was arrested for silent prayer in the UK.

Birmingham (10th August 2025) – West Midlands Police have confirmed a live investigation into Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who has been engaging in silent prayer on a public street near an abortion facility in Birmingham.

This marks the third time in which the police have responded to Vaughan-Spruce’s silent prayers. In 2023, the charitable volunteer was acquitted in court after being arrested for praying in a local “buffer zone”, under a Public Spaces Protection Order which banned “expressions of approval or disapproval” of abortion. The incident occurred while the abortion facility was closed. The prosecution offered no evidence to support a conviction.

“Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought.”

- Isabel Vaughan-Spruce

Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Isabel was arrested again for the same silent thoughts in the same location weeks later, opening an investigation that lasted several months. In August 2024, Vaughan-Spruce successfully challenged her two unjust arrests and received a settlement from West Midlands Police of £13,000.

Vaughan-Spruce, who has been a charitable volunteer supporting mothers in crisis pregnancy for twenty years, has continued to pray nearby the abortion facility on a weekly basis. West Midlands Police have begun a practice of posting two police officers to watch her pray silently. On regular occasions, she has been approached by officers and asked if she is praying.

Vaughan-Spruce submitted a complaint to the police force for repeatedly harassing and interrogating her while failing to explain how she had been in breach of any law. The complaint noted that her treatment was at odds with the previous clear verdict from the courts and CPS guidance on the matter.

Her formal complaint was declined on the basis of there being a live investigation against her, despite her never being formally informed that this was the case.

West Midlands Police have now confirmed that they await advice from CPS considering next steps on the allegations against Isabel. CPS has previously decided that acts of standing silently in prayer do not meet its evidential and public interest thresholds to warrant prosecution. This approach appeared to be formalised under new guidance which noted that conduct which was not ‘overt’ would fall outside the scope of criminality (LINK). This is believed to be the first test of CPS guidance under the controversial national “buffer zone” legislation.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce commented:

“Despite being fully vindicated multiple times after being wrongfully arrested for my thoughts, it’s unbelievable that I am still being harassed by police for silently pray in that area, and yet again find myself under investigation for the same prayers I have said for twenty years. Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought.” 

Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF International, who have supported Vaughan-Spruce’ legal defence, said:

“’Buffer zones’ are among the most concerning frontiers of censorship in the modern west. We all stand against harassment and abuse, but the ‘buffer zone’ lawbroadly bans “influence”, which is being interpreted by police officers to target innocent people who happen to stand in a certain place and believe a certain thing. We will continue to robustly challenge this unjust censorship, and support Isabel’s right to think and believe freely.”

Footage of Isabel’s arrest in 2022 went viral worldwide:

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Pictured: Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (x2); Isabel being arrested for her prayers (November 2022, March 2023); Jeremiah Igunnubole

“What is a Woman?” Legal Showdown Begins in Australian Federal Court

Sall Grover, founder of Giggle for Girls app. Defendent in Tickle v. Giggle.
  • Biological male “Roxanne Tickle” sued “Giggle for Girls” app, and founder Sall Grover, for female-only membership policy
  • Appeal began today (4-7 August) in pivotal case for rights of women to female-only spaces, with implications for the safety of women’s sports, crisis shelters, changing rooms and more 
Sall Grover, founder of Giggle for Girls app. Defendent in Tickle v. Giggle.

SYDNEY (1 August 2024) – The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia has begun to hear the appeal in what has been described as the “ultimate ‘what is a woman?’ case” in a 4-day hearing from 4-7 August. 

Last summer, the Court ruled in Roxanne Tickle v. Giggle for Girls (“Tickle v. Giggle”) that “Roxanne Tickle,” a biological male who identifies as a woman, experienced unlawful discrimination when prevented from joining female-only networking app “Giggle.”  

The court found that Tickle experienced “indirect discrimination,” ordering Giggle for Girls to pay $10,000 AUD in compensation and to cover Tickle’s legal costs.  

I am optimistic. I know we are right & I know that reality always wins - eventually. Reality is inescapable.

- Sall Grover, CEO, "Giggle"

Tickle sued the female-only app on the basis that, being “legally permitted to identify as female” and having had his birth certificate amended, he should be permitted into spaces reserved for biological women. Giggle for Girls argued that women have a right to single-sex spaces, both online and offline. 

The Court rejected Giggle’s defence that Tickle was not unlawfully discriminated against, but instead disqualified from joining the networking app due to his male sex.   

In the judgment, the court stated “…sex is not confined to being a biological concept referring to whether a person at birth had male or female physical traits, nor confined to being a binary concept, limited to the male or female sex…” 

ADF International has supported Giggle’s defence on the basis that Australian law must uphold the truth of biological reality and in line with the protections for women enshrined in international human rights law.  

Commenting on the decision, Giggle CEO, Sall Grover, said:  

“To use Giggle, users had to be female, and female in the ordinary use of the word which is biological,” Grover explained, adding, “I am optimistic. I know we are right & I know that reality always wins – eventually. Reality is inescapable. The law has to reflect reality. In reality, no man is a woman so therefore no man should legally be a woman.” 

Katherine Deves of Pryor Tzannes & Wallis, legal representatives for the Respondent, said: “The stakes are high in this case. Women’s international human rights will be lost if “woman” now includes any male who identifies as such. This decision matters not just in Australia but also to the watching world.”  

Robert Clarke, Director of Advocacy for ADF International, which provided support for the case, said:  

“By ruling that a biological male was discriminated against for being excluded from a women’s app, the court delivered a flawed judgment that undermines protections for women. Sex is not a feeling – it is a biological fact, and it cannot be changed. This appeal is a defining moment: the Court must choose between ideology and reality.”

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Pictured (left to right): Sall Grover; Katherine Deves; Robert Clarke.