US State Department ‘disappointed with the UK court’s conviction of Livia Tossici-Bolt’

  • Livia Tossici-Bolt convicted this morning for offering consensual conversation in abortion facility “buffer zone”
  • US State Department commented it was “monitoring” her case earlier in the week resulting in free speech row between US and UK

BOURNEMOUTH (4 April 2025) – The US State Department has denounced the conviction of retiree Livia Tossici-Bolt for offering consensual conversation in an abortion facility “buffer zone”.

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor released the following comment on X: “We are disappointed with the UK court’s conviction of Livia Tossici-Bolt for violating a designated “buffer zone” at an abortion clinic. Freedom of expression must be protected for all.”

This comes in response to its comment on March 30 that it was “monitoring” the case, given that “U.S.-UK relations share a mutual respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

“My conviction for offering consensual conversation has been very difficult, not only for me personally, but also because I care deeply about preserving freedom of expression in the UK. I am encouraged to know that the United States Department of State is following my case closely. I am grateful, and hope this encourages this country to take a close look at what it means to convict someone for nothing more than offering conversation,” responded Livia Tossici-Bolt.

“The United States Department of State put the UK on notice earlier this week when it highlighted Livia’s case. We are grateful for the awareness this has generated regarding the egregious failure of justice that is her conviction for offering consensual conversation. The State Department has every reason to be disappointed by the verdict. Her conviction is a loss for everyone committed to the protection of fundamental freedoms. If the special relationship is to mean anything, it has to be a relationship where each side can challenge the other,” stated Robert Clarke, ADF International Director of Advocacy, in response to the comment from the bureau.

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Pictured: Livia Tossici-Bolt and Jeremiah Igunnubole (barrister and Legal Counsel, ADF International).

Christian woman convicted for offering consensual conversation in abortion facility ‘buffer zone’, ordered to pay £20,000 in prosecution costs

Livia is guilty.

  • Retired clinical scientist and Christian Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, found guilty this morning at Poole Magistrates’ Court

  • Dr Tossici-Bolt held a sign reading ‘here to talk, if you want’ and did not engage in harassment, intimidation, or obstruction. Her legal defence is supported by ADF International

  • The US State Department this week expressed concern about freedom of expression in the UK, commenting it was ‘monitoring’ her case

Livia is guilty.

BOURNEMOUTH (4 April 2025) – A Christian woman was this morning convicted for offering consensual conversation in a censorial “buffer zone”.

Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, was found guilty at Poole Magistrates’ Court. Despite finding as a fact that “the sign made no reference to pregnancy, abortion, or religious matters” and hearing evidence from one council officer that “he did not witness her intimidating or harassing any individual”, District Judge Austin ruled that council officers had a reasonable belief that she was in violation of the PSPO.

One of the council officers testified that “he formed the view that [Tossici-Bolt] was in breach of [the PSPO] on several grounds. He considered her pro-life views, his own previous interaction with her, the complaint that had been received and the sign that she was holding.”

In mitigation, counsel for Dr Tossici-Bolt stressed that “The council has not adduced any evidence that she was observed by any service user or any other form of harm…neither is there an identified victim in this case.”

Following the conviction, the Judge sentenced Dr Tossici-Bolt to a conditional discharge and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £20,000 which must be paid in full by 31 May 2025.

Earlier this week, a US State Department bureau said it was “monitoring” Dr Tossici-Bolt’s case, which is supported by ADF International, and that it was “concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom”.

Reacting to the verdict, Dr Tossici-Bolt said:

“This is a dark day for Great Britain. I was not protesting and did not harass or obstruct anyone. All I did was offer consensual conversation in a public place, as is my basic right, and yet the court found me guilty. Freedom of expression is in a state of crisis in the UK. What has happened to this country? The US State Department was right to be concerned by this case as it has serious implications for the entire Western world."

- Livia Tossici-Bolt

“I remain committed to fighting for free speech, not only for my own sake but for all my fellow citizens. If we allow this precedent of censorship to stand, nobody’s right to freely express themselves is secure. With ADF International’s support, I will now consider all legal options,” she continued.

Legal Counsel for ADF International Lorcán Price commented:

“Everyone who cares about free speech should care about ‘buffer zones’. A Christian woman has been convicted merely for offering to chat on a public street in Britain. This ruling should show all reasonable people that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, abortion facility ‘buffer zones’ are incompatible with a free society.

“We will now support Livia in considering all legal options.”

Dr Tossici-Bolt was issued a fixed penalty notice for holding a sign that said “Here to talk, if you want” in a censorial abortion facility “buffer zone” in Bournemouth.

She was then prosecuted after she declined to pay it on the grounds that she did not breach the terms of the Public Spaces Protection Order—which bans acts of approval and disapproval regarding abortion—and had the right, protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act, to offer consensual conversations. 

The District Judge who gave today’s verdict is the same judge who last October found Adam Smith-Connor guilty for silently praying in a “buffer zone”, in a case which US Vice President JD Vance directly highlighted in his Munich Security Conference speech

With ADF International’s support, Mr Smith-Connor will appeal his conviction in a July trial.

For more details on Dr Tossici-Bolt’s case, find her support page here.

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US State Department: ‘We are monitoring’ prosecution of UK woman in abortion facility ‘buffer zone’ case and ‘are concerned about freedom of expression’ in Britain

Livia Tossici-Bolt holding her sign in the UK
  • Verdict for Livia Tossici-Bolt, Christian woman who faced criminal trial for holding a sign offering consensual conversation in censorial abortion facility ‘buffer zone’ in Bournemouth, will be released on Friday
  • ADF International is supporting her legal defence
  • US State Department: ‘We are concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom… We are monitoring [Dr Tossici-Bolt’s] case’

BOURNEMOUTH (1 April 2025) – A bureau within the US State Department said on Sunday it is “monitoring” the abortion facility “buffer zone” case of a Dorset woman, ahead of the release of her verdict on Friday.

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor (DRL), a bureau within the United States Department of State, issued a statement on the case of Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, on X, saying: “We are concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom… We are monitoring [Dr Tossici-Bolt’s] case.”

Dr Tossici-Bolt faced criminal trial this month for holding a sign that said, “Here to talk, if you want,” in a censorial abortion facility “buffer zone”.

Her verdict will be handed down by District Judge Orla Austin on Friday April 4. ADF International is supporting Dr Tossici-Bolt’s legal defence.

In its post, the State Department bureau said: “U.S.-UK relations share a mutual respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, as Vice President Vance has said, we are concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom.

“While recently in the UK, DRL Senior Advisor Sam Samson met with Livia Tossici-Bolt, who faces criminal charges for offering conversation within a legally prohibited ‘buffer zone’ at an abortion clinic. We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.”

Dr Tossici-Bolt said: “I am grateful to the US State Department for taking note of my case. Great Britain is supposed to be a free country, yet I’ve been dragged through court merely for offering consensual conversation. I’m thankful to ADF International for supporting my legal defence.

“Peaceful expression is a fundamental right—no one should be criminalised for harmless offers to converse.”

She added: “It is tragic to see that the increase of censorship in this country has made the US feel it has to remind us of our shared values and basic civil liberties.

“I’m grateful to the US administration for prioritising the preservation and promotion of freedom of expression and for engaging in robust diplomacy to that end.

“It deeply saddens me that the UK is seen as an international embarrassment when it comes to free speech. My case, involving only a mere invitation to speak, is but one example of the extreme and undeniable state of censorship in Great Britain today.

“It is important that the government actually does respect freedom of expression, as it claims to.”

Responding to DRL’s comment, barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International Jeremiah Igunnubole said: “The UK’s censorship crisis is the result of a longstanding failure by British politicians to vigilantly protect fundamental rights in the UK, while hypocritically claiming to champion them abroad.

“We cannot consistently claim the UK is a bastion of free speech when law-abiding citizens like Livia are prosecuted for nothing other than peacefully offering to speak to people. What freedom do we have if citizens cannot offer a consensual conversation in a public space?

“Today, authorities are targeting conversations and even silent prayers they say are related to abortion. Tomorrow, it could be any other topic that goes against the mainstream perspective, as defined and policed by those in power. The slippery slope towards tyranny is clear. This is not how free and democratic countries should function.

“True friends do not stand idly by as their friends blindly walk into a ditch. The robust protection of fundamental freedoms has historically formed the basis of the special relationship between the UK and the US—a relationship that’s now needlessly strained due, in large part, to the current censorial trajectory of Britain.

“It is right for the US State Department and JD Vance to warn the UK that censorship is antithetical to freedom, democracy, and societal flourishing.”

Mr Igunnubole added: “Good relations with the US are key for our economic and military security. Criminal prosecutions for silent prayer and offers of consensual conversation are not only illiberal, but also irresponsible.

“The government must act to ensure that what is undoubtedly our most important diplomatic relationship is not put at risk due to an ideological commitment to censorship.”

District Judge Austin, who will hand down Dr Tossici-Bolt’s verdict on Friday, is the same judge who last October found Adam Smith-Connor guilty for silently praying in a “buffer zone”, in a case which Vice President Vance directly mentioned in his Munich Security Conference Speech.

With ADF International’s support, Mr Smith-Connor will appeal his conviction in a July trial.

Rose Docherty’s “buffer zone” case in Scotland

This is not the first time DRL has commented on UK “buffer zone” censorship.

In February, DRL commented on the arrest of 73-year-old Christian grandmother Rose Docherty for holding a sign that read, “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want,” in a “buffer zone” in Glasgow.

DRL said: “Police in Scotland arrested a woman holding a sign offering to talk to people in a restricted ‘buffer zone.’ 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.”

ADF International is supporting Ms Docherty, who recently rejected a warning sent to her in a letter from the Procurator Fiscal, as it required her to accept her actions were unlawful.

She did not cause harassment, block access to an abortion facility or influence anyone regarding abortion—activities banned in Scotland’s “buffer zones”—but merely exercised her right to freedom of expression, which is protected in national and international law, by offering consensual conversations.

Ms Docherty explained: “I cannot pretend that what I did was unlawful—I merely offered a chat, particularly in the context of anyone experiencing coercion of any kind—an issue firmly on my heart.  

“This is why I will be rejecting the warning I was issued by Scottish authorities, with support from ADF International. It isn’t right to deprive anyone of the right to take up my offer to talk—or to restrict me unfairly from carrying out this peaceful, compassionate action.” 

Reacting to the letter sent by the Procurator Fiscal, Lorcán Price, Irish barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International, said: “The warning issued by the Scottish authorities in effect demands Rose accept culpability for criminal behaviour. This Christian grandmother stood peacefully, alone, making herself available for a discussion with anyone who wished to speak to her. How can this possibly be outlawed in our society?” 

In his Munich Security Conference speech last month, Vice President JD Vance called out Scotland’s draconian abortion facility “buffer zones”.

The Scottish government last year sent a letter to residents whose houses were in a “buffer zone”, saying: “Activities in a private place (such as a house) within the area between the protected premises and the boundary of a Zone could be an offence if they can be seen or heard within the Zone and are done intentionally or recklessly.”

Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay, who authored the Scottish “buffer zone” law, admitted in an interview following Vice President Vance’s comments that in her view prayer in a private home within a “buffer zone” could be a crime depending “on who’s passing by the window”.

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Buffer zone trial: Officers admit they did not “personally witness” any “harassment” before Christian woman fined for holding “here to talk” sign

  • Livia Tossici-Bolt’s trial continues TODAY at Poole Magistrates’ Court after the 63-year-old retiree held a sign in an abortion “buffer zone” reading “here to talk, if you want”
  • Rukan Taki, BCP Council Officer who attended the scene, confirms he did not personally witness Tossici-Bolt engage in harassment or intimidation

BOURNEMOUTH (6th March 2025) – The criminal trial of Livia Tossici-Bolt, the retired medical scientist who held a “here to talk, if you want” sign in an abortion “buffer zone”, began yesterday and will continue today. 

Tossici-Bolt, 63, is accused of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which installs a “buffer zone” around a local abortion facility, prohibiting “harassment”, “intimidation”, and “engaging in an act of approval or disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services”.  

“There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this.”

- Livia Tossici-Bolt

Tossici-Bolt took the witness stand on Wednesday afternoon, explaining her motivation to hold a sign offering conversation following a period in lockdown where social interaction had been minimal.  

She referenced trends at the time of people offering “free hugs” and other sources of interaction on the street.  

Tossici-Bolt, who is an Italian mother, told the court she had positive interactions with various groups of people while holding the sign, who engaged with her about various issues they were facing in their lives – including from students who spoke to her about their studies, and parents who spoke about their children. After one interaction, Livia recalled, she was even invited to join an individual for a cup of tea at their house. 

Speaking ahead of her trial, Tossici-Bolt said, “There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this.” 

Tossici-Bolt’s legal defence is being supported by ADF International. 

Officers attending the scene did not "personally witness" any harassment

Taking the witness stand on Wednesday morning, Officer Rukan Taki, who is employed by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council and attended the incident leading to Tossici-Bolt’s fine, conceded that despite his belief that Tossici-Bolt’s behaviour constituted a breach of the PSPO, he did not actually “personally witness” her engage in harassment or intimidation. 

Taki said he “absolutely” accepted that conversations could be held within the PSPO “buffer zone” which don’t amount to harassment or intimidation – a point confirmed by two further officers who took the witness stand in the afternoon. He also confirmed that being “open to speaking to someone” also did not amount to harassment or intimidation. 

Later in the afternoon, Officer Francesca Alice Ozanne clarified that while she witnessed Livia Tossici-Bolt in the “buffer zone”, she did not actually see any people enter or leave the clinic – thus leaving doubt as to whether Tossici-Bolt could be believed to be engaging in “harassment” of any service users. 

Ozanne, Taki and further witnesses from the council further stated that they had no recollection of any reports being made from members of the public that they had been victims of harassment due to Tossici-Bolt’s presence.

Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF International, supporting Livia’s defence, said: 

“Under far-reaching and vaguely-written rules, we have seen volunteers like Livia criminalised simply for offering to engage in consensual conversation; and others dragged through courts for praying, even silently, in their minds.

The principle of freedom of thought and speech must be defended both within and outside “buffer zones”. It’s unthinkable that as real crime is mounting, policing time and resources are being expended on peaceful individuals like Livia who simply, and peacefully, offer to speak. What kind of society does that?” 

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PICTURED: Livia Tossici-Bolt; ADF UK Legal Counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole

TODAY: Dorset retiree to face trial for offering a conversation in abortion “buffer zone”

  • Livia Tossici-Bolt held a sign reading “Here to talk, if you want” near an abortion facility in Bournemouth
  • Retired medical scientist to face trial 5th -6th MARCH; ADF UK supports legal defence
  • U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance raises repeated concerns about the UK’s “buffer zone” laws – “these ideas are going to destroy Western civilisation”

BOURNEMOUTH (5 March 2025) – A retired medical scientist from Bournemouth will face trial on 5th-6th March following charges relating to her charitable work supporting women in crisis pregnancies.  

Livia Tossici-Bolt, 63, held a sign reading “here to talk, if you want to” near an abortion facility in Bournemouth. Several individuals approached her to take up her offer of a conversation about matters going on in their lives. 

“There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this.”

- Livia Tossici-Bolt

Local authorities confronted Tossici-Bolt, alleging that she had breached a local abortion “buffer zone”, which bans “expression of approval or disapproval of abortion”. They issued a Fixed Penalty Notice, which Tossici-Bolt refused to pay, on the grounds that she did not breach the terms of the PSPO, and had the right, protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act, to offer consensual conversations. 

Tossici-Bolt will face trial at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 5th-6th March 2025. ADF UK are supporting her legal defence. 

“There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this,” said Livia Tossici-Bolt, whose legal defence is being supported by ADF UK.

International concerns over Britain's censorship

Speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance yesterday listed the UK’s notorious “buffer zone” rules as an example of an idea which could “destroy Western civilisation.“

Referencing egregious examples of authoritarian censorship across Europe last month at the Munich security conference, Vance highlighted the “most concerning” case of Adam Smith-Connor – the army veteran and father of two in Britain who was convicted in November 2024 for praying silently, for a few minutes, on a public space across the road from the Bournemouth abortion facility, where a “buffer zone” was enforced.  

Reflecting on his concerns for Europe, the Vice-President said:  

“…perhaps most concerning, I look to our very dear friends, the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular in the crosshairs.  

“A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith Connor, a 51 year old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50m from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.” 

Speaking on GB News Podcast “Choppers Politics” this month, Michael Gove said: “It is wrong to say that someone cannot pray – silently – because you have a particular view on abortion…For me, free speech is as close to a fundamental principle as any. And so is freedom of worship.” 

Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF International, supporting Sara’s defence, said: 

“Under far-reaching and vaguely-written rules, we have seen volunteers like Livia criminalised simply for offering to talk; and others dragged through courts for praying, even silently, in their minds.   

The principle of freedom of thought and speech must be defended both within and outside “buffer zones”. It’s unthinkable that as real crime is mounting, policing time and resources are being expended on peaceful individuals like Livia who simply, and peacefully, offer to engage in consensual conversation. What kind of society does that?” commented Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK, who are supporting Tossici-Bolt’s legal defence.

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PICTURED: Livia Tossici-Bolt; ADF UK Legal Counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole

Scottish health authority suspend American midwifery student over pro-life Facebook posts

Picture: Marion McKinnon Photography
  • NHS Fife suspended placement of U.S. citizen and Edinburgh Napier midwifery student who raised objection to performing an abortion in Facebook comment  
  • Decision violates right of medical staff and students to free speech and conscientious objection, says ADF UK, providing legal support  
  • U.S. Vice-President Vance raises concerns to Keir Starmer in Washington about UK “infringements on freedom of speech” which affect American citizens 

DUNDEE (28 February 2025) - A midwifery student and mother of three resident in Scotland but from the USA was suspended from her training placement with NHS Fife over comments on a private Facebook forum explaining her conscientious objection to performing abortions.  

“It is concerning that an NHS health board would be reluctant to welcome a student who holds certain beliefs regarding the significance of unborn human life.”

- Sara Spencer, who was suspended for her pro-life Facebook comments

Sara Spencer, 30, was suspended and subjected to a fitness-to-practise investigation as a result of comments made on a private midwifery Facebook group in which she responded to a post asking: “Do midwives have anything to do with abortions, and can they refuse to take part in carrying them out because of their beliefs?” 

Commenting on her treatment, Sara Spencer said:   

“It’s well-known that medical professionals in the UK have a right to conscientiously object to performing an abortion.   

“As a student, I expected to be able to freely engage in discussion among my peers about the grounds for my conscientious objection, and to respectfully debate matters of medical law, ethics, and the philosophy of midwifery care – matters which lie at the heart of our profession. 

“I was shocked by NHS Fife’s response to my expression of legally protected beliefs. It is concerning that an NHS health board would be reluctant to welcome a student who holds certain beliefs regarding the significance of unborn human life.”  

Vance raises concerns over UK impinging on free speech of American citizens

During Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the White House yesterday, Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted concerns about “infringements on freedom of speech” in the UK, “…which also affect American technology companies and by extension, American citizens”. 

The Prime Minister responded, “we’ve had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom, and it will last for a very, very long time.”  

Keir Starmer assured U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance that “certainly we wouldn’t want to reach across U.S. citizens, and we don’t, and that’s absolutely right.” 

A right to engage in discussion 

Spencer contributed to a Facebook discussion by noting that there was “a right to refuse to take part [and the] law protects [individuals’] statutory right of conscientious objection” and that she would always personally object to participating in “killing” an unborn child.    

 As a result of complaints about her comments, Spencer was summoned to a meeting with her line manager at NHS Fife, who subsequently turned the matter over to Edinburgh Napier University, which initiated a Fitness to Practise investigation for a) bringing the profession or the University into disrepute b) conducting herself in a manner “detrimental to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing and personal and/or professional reputation of others” c) misusing social media and d) conducting herself in a manner falling below the expectations of the student’s relevant Professional Code. 

 Against the recommendation of the Fitness to Practise officer handling Spencer’s case, NHS Fife suspended Spencer’s placement for the duration of the investigation.  

 ”Sara’s career has been negatively impacted by a cultural prejudice against people with pro-life opinions – present both at her university, and in her workplace.   

 ”It’s clear that, while committed to a number of diversity policies, universities across the country have struggled to uphold true diversity of thought – punishing students who peacefully express their own ideas. Sara’s story points to a need for legislation which reaffirms freedom of speech in these learning environments, if the reputational standards of Scottish universities are to remain intact,” said Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF UK, who supported Spencer.  

With legal support from ADF UK, Sara was subsequently cleared of all allegations, with the university finding “no case to answer”. NHS Fife strongly objected to this outcome, but changed its position following correspondence from the university.    

Freedom of conscience examined by ScotGov abortion law review

 “It should be considered entirely natural and expected that a midwife, focused on delivering life into the world, may have concerns about abortion. It’s for this reason that our laws protect freedom of conscience for all medical professionals, who should never be compelled to act in a way they consider harmful.  

 “The Scottish Government are currently undertaking a review of our nation’s abortion law, including with regard to conscientious objection, led by a panel of “experts” – many of whom have had a career within or around the abortion industry. Sara’s experience should sound an alarm bell about the need to reaffirm freedom of conscience across all public health boards,” commented Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish Spokesperson for ADF UK.   

Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Spencer’s professors at Edinburgh Napier University have continued to issue warnings to her about her social media use, referring to Spencer’s comments regarding her pro-life beliefs as “inappropriate.” 

With support from ADF UK, Spencer is now seeking acknowledgement of the rights to both conscientious objection and freedom of expression of protected beliefs from NHS Fife, as well as assurances that they will not discriminate against those students and professionals who express pro-life views in the future.  

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PICTURED: Sara Spencer (photo credit: Marion McKinnon Photography); Lois McLatchie Miller; Jeremiah Igunnubole

GOVE: “It is wrong to say that someone cannot pray silently” 

  • UK faces mounting backlash against silent prayer prosecutions as a result of abortion “buffer zones” 
  • J.D. Vance highlights “infringements on free speech” during Starmer’s trip to Washington

Rt. Hon. Michael Gove speaking to Chopper’s Political Podcast on GB News. Clip begins 29:52, full episode available here.

LONDON (28th February 2025) – Speaking to Christopher Hope on Chopper’s Politics Podcast, former justice secretary Michael Gove has condemned the prosecution of individuals simply for praying silently near abortion facilities in Great Britain. 

“It is wrong to say that someone cannot pray – silently – because you have a particular view on abortion... "

- Rt. Hon. Michael Gove

““It is wrong to say that someone cannot pray – silently – because you have a particular view on abortion…For me, free speech is as close to a fundamental principle as any. And so is freedom of worship,” commented Gove.

While the current Spectator Editor was clear that “genuine intimidation” was unacceptable, he expressed incredulity that prayer should be considered a crime in this context, adding “prayer…that’s at the foundation of the country…I’m not saying that everyone should believe, but you can’t understand Britain without understanding our Judeo-Christian tradition…” 

“Freedom of conscience and freedom of religion are fundamental freedoms,” he concluded. 

Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF International, supporting the legal defense of Adam Smith-Connor and others prosecuted for praying inside “buffer zones”, responded:

“The policing of people’s very thoughts in “buffer zones” is the most extreme example of censorship across the West. While crime festers on the streets of England, it’s unbelievable that police time and resources are focused on criminalising peaceful Christians, who simply want to pray.

“Nobody can deny that two-tier policing is a problem here; nobody can deny that we are riding roughshod over freedom of speech and of thought. I thank Michael Gove, VP Vance and the many other voices who are issuing this wake-up call – we must restore basic standards of human rights.”

U.S. call out Britain for silent prayer crackdown

The comments surface as Keir Starmer concludes his meeting with U.S. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who in yesterday’s press conference referred to “infringements on free speech” taking place in the UK which the world leaders would “discuss at lunch”.

Earlier this month, J.D. Vance called out the UK’s censorial “buffer zones” at the Munich Security Conference. 

Listing egregious examples of authoritarian censorship across Europe, Vance highlighted the “most concerning” case of Adam Smith-Connor – the army veteran and father of two in Britain who was convicted in November 2024 for praying silently, for a few minutes, on a public space across the road from an abortion facility, where a “buffer zone” was enforced. 

Reflecting on his concerns for Europe, the Vice-President said: 

“…perhaps most concerning, I look to our very dear friends, the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular in the crosshairs. 

“A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith Connor, a 51 year old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50m from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.” 

Prayer in Scottish Homes in Question

The Vice-President also raised concerns about a “buffer zone” law in Scotland which could even impact freedom to pray in one’s own home.  

This week, the architect of the law – Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay – conceded to the BBC that prayer with clasped hands could be a crime, “depending on who’s passing by the window”.  

The same MSP had accused J.D. Vance of spreading “misinformation” that private prayer in one’s home within 200m of an abortion facility could be a crime in Scotland. 

Gillian Mackay, interviewed on BBC “Scotcast” podcast this week. Full episode available on BBC iPlayer, clip begins 24.07

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Pictured: Adam Smith-Connor; Jeremiah Igunnubole, ADF International

Criminality of prayer within a home “depends on who’s passing the window” claims author of the Scottish “buffer zones” law called out by JD Vance 

  • Gillian Mackay MSP claims visible prayer by a window at home could be a crime if within 200m from an abortion facility, depending on who is “passing the window”
  • Comments come weeks after Vance called out Scotland’s censored “buffer zones” – Mackay previously described his concerns about prayer at home as “misinformation”
Gillian Mackay, interviewed on BBC “Scotcast” podcast this week. Full episode available on BBC iPlayer, clip begins 24.07

EDINBURGH (26th February 2025) – Gillian Mackay MSP, the politician who authored the Scottish “buffer zones” law which forbids “influence” within 200m of an abortion facility, has admitted that prayer by a window in one’s own home could be an offence – depending on who is passing by. 

Speaking to BBC’s “Scotcast” podcast this week, 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…”

“Clearly, the “buffer zones” law is fundamentally flawed when it comes to undermining basic freedoms of speech, thought, and religion.”

- Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish Spokesperson for ADF International

US Vice President JD Vance recently highlighted the censorial nature of the law, referring to letters that had been sent to people’s homes warning them of the laws being put in place: 

“…this last October, just a few months ago, the Scottish government began distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so-called “safe access zones,” warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law.  

Naturally, the government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thoughtcrime.  

In Britain, and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” 

Was J.D. Vance correct?

Mackay claimed that the Vice President was spreading “shameless misinformation”, and in the same Scotcast interview, pointed out that “nowhere in that letter does it say private prayer.” 

The letter refers to a prohibition on activities that would “intentionally or recklessly…influence somebody’s decision to access” an abortion facility. 

When pressed as to whether visibly praying from a window could meet the threshold of “influence”, Mackay admitted that it would depend on who was passing by the window at the point of prayer. 

Commenting on the interview, Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish spokesperson for ADF International, said: 

“Clearly, the “buffer zones” law is fundamentally flawed when it comes to undermining basic freedoms of speech, thought, and religion. We all stand firmly against harassment, which has been illegal for many years – but the law goes much too far in preventing people from praying, or holding consensual conversations, in large public areas of Scotland. 

“Gillian Mackay confirmed that “performative” prayer could be a crime, “depending on who is passing by the window”. The accusation of prayer being “performative” rather than genuine lies in the eye of the beholder. Who are the police to doubt the genuineness of somebody’s faith, based on where they are located, and the position of their hands? 

“ J.D. Vance was right to raise concerns – this law is an illiberal travesty.” 

74-year-old grandmother arrested in Glasgow "buffer zone"

On 19th February, a 74-year-old woman was arrested for holding a sign in a Glasgow “buffer zone” reading: “coercion is a crime, here to talk, if you want.” 

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 made “coercive control” illegal, recognising the profoundly harmful effects it can have on individuals and society. Over 6,640 charges related to this behaviour have been reported to the Crown Office between April 2019 and 2023. 14% of women have undergone coercion when it comes to making a decision about abortion – that’s about 1 in 7.   

Commenting on her arrest, Rose Docherty said:

“I held a sign that read “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, if you want”. Everyone has the right to a consensual conversation. I simply made myself available for a chat, should anybody like to approach me and speak about any matter on their mind. I didn’t breach the buffer zone – I didn’t harass, intimidate, or even seek to influence anyone. I simply stood there, available to speak with love and compassion.  

“It isn’t right to deprive anyone of the right to take up my offer to talk. And it isn’t right to censor zones within our country from thoughts, beliefs and conversations that authorities may simply disapprove of. Buffer zones aren’t “pro-choice” – they deprive women of the choice to have a chat outside the clinic. That isn’t right.” 

Watch the footage of the arrest here.

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PICTURED: Rose Docherty; Lois McLatchie Miller, ADF International

U.S. Vice President Vance: “Concerning” British silent prayer conviction shows free speech is “in retreat”

  • U.S. President J.D. Vance has called out UK authorities for prosecuting an army veteran for his silent prayers near an abortion facility
  • Smith-Connor “overwhelmingly thankful” for support from the Vice President as he prepares to appeal his conviction in July, with support from ADF International 

MUNICH (14 February 2025) – “Free speech, I fear, is in retreat”, said U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance in an address to world leaders at a security conference in Munich today. 

Listing egregious examples of authoritarian censorship across Europe, Vance highlighted the “most concerning” case of Adam Smith-Connor – the army veteran and father of two in Britain who was convicted in November 2024 for praying silently, for a few minutes, on a public space across the road from an abortion facility, where a “buffer zone” was enforced.

Reflecting on his concerns for Europe, the Vice-President said:

“…perhaps most concerning, I look to our very dear friends, the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular in the crosshairs.

“A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith Connor, a 51 year old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50m from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.”

“I'm overwhelmingly thankful to Vice President Vance for raising my plight in front of world leaders.Nobody should be criminalised for their prayers, their mere thoughts."

- Adam Smith-Connor, convicted for praying silently in his head

In November 2022, Smith-Connor was confronted by officers who asked “what is the nature of your prayer?”, on a public green within a large “buffer zone” – an area covering several streets in the town – in which authorities have banned various expressions of pro-life or Christian belief, including through offering help to women in crisis pregnancies, or praying. 

Read the full text of the Public Spaces Protection Order here.

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Adam was later charged, prosecuted, and convicted for his prayers at Poole Magistrates Court in October 2024. With support from ADF International, he is appealing his conviction.

The UK government has since nationalised “buffer zones”, banning “influence” within 150m of every abortion facility in the country.

 Upon hearing the words of the Vice President, Adam Smith-Connor said:

“I’m overwhelmingly thankful to Vice President Vance for raising my plight in front of world leaders. Nobody should be criminalised for their prayers, their mere thoughts – this case has exposed the UK authorities in front of the world as they allow “thought police” to prosecute peaceful, innocent people for what’s going on in their minds. 

“With support from ADF International, I will be appealing my ruling in July and hope for justice to be restored. Silent prayers are not a crime – not here, not anywhere.” 

Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF International, supporting Adam’s legal defence, said:

“The policing of people’s very thoughts in “buffer zones” is the most extreme example of censorship across the West. While crime festers on the streets of England, it’s unbelievable that police time and resources are focused on criminalising peaceful Christians, who simply want to pray.

“Nobody can deny that two-tier policing is a problem here; nobody can deny that we are riding roughshod over freedom of speech and of thought. I thank VP Vance for issuing this wake-up call to our government –  we must restore basic standards of human rights.”

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Pictured: Adam Smith-Connor, Jeremiah Igunnubole

Police target charitable volunteer AGAIN for standing silently in public area

  • NEW FOOTAGE shows West Midlands Police officer ask Isabel Vaughan-Spruce to leave public area, citing concerns that her “mere presence” would cause “distress”
  • Confrontation comes despite police force having paid out £13,000 for two prior wrongful arrests over her silent prayers

BIRMINGHAM (10 February 2025) – New footage obtained by ADF UK shows a West Midlands Police officer demand charitable volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce to leave a public area because of what she is known to believe – despite her simply standing alone, praying silently, without undertaking any actions.

The footage shows the police officer explain that he believes Isabel’s “mere presence” may constitute “harassment, alarm and distress”, given that she is known to have pro-life beliefs and belong to a pro-life organisation. He thus concluded that she was breaching the rules of the “buffer zone” – an area within 150m of an abortion facility. 

However, the buffer zone legislation does not single out individuals to ban from the area for their beliefs, but rather prohibits behaviours amounting to “intimidation”, “harassment”, or “influencing a person’s decision to access” an abortion facility.

With support from ADF UK, Vaughan-Spruce has written to police to ask for clarification that a person’s mere presence does not amount to a criminal offence.

The incident took place despite West Midlands Police previously issuing an apology and a payout of £13,000 for breaching Vaughan-Spruce’s human rights on two prior occasions where they arrested her for praying silently in the same “buffer zone”.

"[The officer] believes that just because I hold pro-life beliefs, I am automatically a criminal in certain public areas.This isn’t right.”

- Isabel Vaughan-Spruce

Vaughan-Spruce, who has been a crisis pregnancy volunteer for two decades and has prayed nearby the abortion facility on a weekly basis throughout that time, was tried for breaching a buffer zone by praying silently in her mind at Birmingham Magistrates Court in February 2023, and was found innocent.

CPS Guidance from October 2024 stipulates that silent prayer is “not necessarily” a crime in an abortion “buffer zone”. The guidance further states that any actions must be “overt” to meet the threshold of criminality.

Commenting on the exchange, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce said:

“It has been made clear time and time again through the verdict of Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, through the concession and payout from the police, through the words of the former Home Secretary and through CPS Guidance –  you cannot break the law by simply existing in a buffer zone, holding thoughts and beliefs in your mind.

“Every person has a right to stand in a public space and think what they want. The police officer told me that my “mere presence” was offensive – that’s nothing short of viewpoint discrimination. He believes that just because I hold pro-life beliefs, I am automatically a criminal in certain public areas. This isn’t right.”

ADF UK legal counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole said:

“Nobody should be criminalised for publicly holding lawful views or associating with any lawful cause. The idea that the state can interrogate citizens and instruct them to leave certain public areas based on their pro-life beliefs and associations is profoundly chilling and concrete evidence, if ever we needed more, of viewpoint-based two-tier policing. 

“If Isabel can be treated this way then what does this mean for all Christians holding to biblical truths? This isn’t 1984; it’s 2025 – police must respect the fundamental rights of freedom of speech, thought and association.”

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Pictured: Vaughan-Spruce’s first arrest; Vaughan-Spruce’s second arrest; headshots, Isabel Vaughan=Spruce; Vaughan-Spruce with ADF UK Legal Counsel, Jeremiah Igunnubole