Prohibitions on silent prayer gatherings in the proximity of an abortion organization may remain – so indicates a German court’s ruling on 12 May, which dismissed the challenge of the leader of a prayer initiative to have restrictions on their prayer vigils lifted.

Can a local authority ban even silent prayer on the streets? This is the question asked by the “40 Days for Life” group in Pforzheim, Germany, who were prohibited from gathering to peacefully pray near a pre-abortion advisory center.