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

  • 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 

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. 

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)

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

Rose Docherty in Scotland
  • 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

  • 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

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

Christian pastor threatened with arrest after being assaulted for peaceful preaching  

  • Pastor Dia Moodley was assaulted by Muslim bystanders who objected to his peaceful preaching in Bristol. One man threatened to stab the pastor
  • Police twice threatened to arrest Pastor Moodley for ‘public order offences’. Prior to this incident, the pastor spoke with the US State Department about his previous experience as a victim of censorship in the UK
  • ADF International supports Pastor Moodley’s action against Avon and Somerset Police, which includes a complaint regarding their treatment of him and their failure to promptly investigate serious crimes against him
  • Help support Pastor Moodley’s fight for free speech here.

BRISTOL (2 August 2025) – Police threatened to arrest a Christian pastor for “public order offences”, after he was assaulted by Muslim men who objected to his preaching in Bristol.

One of the men threatened to stab Pastor Dia Moodley, who was preaching in Bristol city centre about the differences between Christianity and Islam while holding a Quran.

Avon and Somerset Police officers responded by threatening to arrest the pastor twice for “breaching the peace”, despite the fact that the men had pinned the Christian to the floor and tried to take the Quran from his hands, which they said was their book, not his.

Pastor Moodley met with the US State Department prior to this incident and spoke about his previous experience as a victim of censorship in the UK, at a meeting facilitated ADF International.

On previous occasions, the police tried to censor the pastor’s preaching and last year arrested him for commenting on Islam.

ADF International supports Pastor Moodley’s action against Avon and Somerset Police, which includes a complaint concerning the most recent incident, regarding the police’s treatment of him and their failure to promptly investigate serious crimes against him.

With the help of ADF International, Pastor Moodley is also taking an action for compensation against Avon and Somerset Police, for his signs, which were destroyed under police instruction following his arrest last year.

In a vindication for Pastor Moodley, the police apologised for the destruction of his signs and reiterated that apology after he submitted a complaint with the support of ADF International.

Pastor Moodley said: “I preach in public because I believe all people, including Muslims, need to know that Jesus Christ is ‘the way, and the truth, and the life’. I always do so respectfully, out of love for my neighbour.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion a group of Muslim men objected to my preaching and reacted with violence. It’s shocking that the police initially said I had breached the peace. This shows yet again that two-tier policing, which targets the expression of Christians, is a reality in modern day Britain.

“My case is evidence of the severe free speech crisis in the UK, which has increasingly been making headlines and has even attracted expressions of alarm from the United States.”

Lorcán Price, an Irish barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International, said: “We are proud to stand alongside Pastor Moodley in his fight for free speech. His experience shows clearly the extent to which the right to free speech has deteriorated in the UK, including with the imposition of de facto blasphemy laws that target Christian expression, through public order and other legislation.

“All in favour of free speech must support repealing censorial legislation and introducing stronger protections for freedom of expression in the UK. Otherwise, innocent people like Pastor Moodley will be forced out of the public square or face unjust criminalisation for their peaceful expression.”

 

Background

On 22 March, Pastor Moodley engaged in street preaching in Bristol city centre, where he spoke about the differences between Jesus and Mohammed, while holding a Quran.

A crowd gathered and a number of Muslim men took offence at Pastor Moodley’s preaching, with one man threatening to stab him and another attempting to punch his wife.

The bystanders then proceeded to try to forcibly take Pastor Moodley’s Quran. They pushed him off his ladder, pinned him to the floor, and claimed the Quran was their book, not his.

In response, police officers told Pastor Moodley on two separate occasions that he would be arrested for a breach of the peace—despite the fact that he had been the victim of crime.

Meanwhile, the man who had threatened to stab Pastor Moodley continued to make threats in the presence of the officers.

That man was not arrested or questioned at the scene and no details of any of the Muslim men who had assaulted Pastor Moodley were taken on the day of the incident.

Members of the public intervened strongly to the police on Pastor Moodley’s behalf to say that he had done nothing wrong or hateful.

A Senior Inspector then arrived and told Pastor Moodley, contrary to what the other officers had said previously, that there was no chance he would be arrested.

 

Avon and Somerset Police’s past targeting of Pastor Moodley

In March of last year, Pastor Moodley was arrested after preaching about the differences between Christianity and Islam in Bristol, despite the fact that he was the victim of assault on that occasion.

He was arrested on suspicion of committing “racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence” under Section 31(1)(c) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. He was held for 13 hours in a police cell.

This incident came after Avon and Somerset Police previously conceded restrictions they placed on Pastor Moodley, preventing him from “passing comments on any other religion” besides Christianity, were “disproportionate”, after these were challenged with the support of ADF International and Free Speech Union.

Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only. Please credit ADF International.

The first three pictures are of Pastor Moodley’s arrest in March 2024, for peacefully preaching. 

The sixth picture is of Pastor Moodley and Jeremiah Igunnubole, barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International.

The last picture is of Lorcán Price, Irish barrister and Legal Counsel for ADF International.

U.K. Premiere of “Live Not By Lies” Shines Spotlight on Erosion of Freedom in the West 

  • Feature premiere of timely documentary highlights erosion of freedom of expression in Britain, including through recent prosecutions of citizens who have silently prayed near abortion facilities 

  • NYT Bestselling author Rod Dreher, film writer/director Isaiah Smallman, and victims of state censorship including Adam Smith-Connor (convicted for silent prayer) to attend black tie evening on Monday 30th June 

LONDON (26 June 2025) – On 30 June, thought leaders, journalists, and advocates for liberty will gather in London for the U.K. gala premiere of Live Not By Lies, a powerful new documentary from Root/Cause and Angel Studios.  

Based on the bestselling book by Rod Dreher, the documentary issues a stark warning about the quiet rise of authoritarianism in Western democracies—an erosion of fundamental freedoms long thought secure. 

The exclusive screening of the film in central London will be opened with remarks from public commentator Konstantin Kisin, reflecting on his family’s experience as dissidents living under the Soviet Union.  

"Live Not By Lies exposes disturbing parallels between Soviet-era totalitarian regimes and the ideological pressures mounting today in the United Kingdom and beyond."

- Isaiah Smallman, Filmmaker

The documentary screening will be followed with a panel discussion and opportunity for dialogue with leading voices on freedom of speech, conscience, and association, including bestselling author Rod Dreher and filmmaker Isaiah Smallman. 

“Live Not By Lies exposes disturbing parallels between Soviet-era totalitarian regimes and the ideological pressures mounting today in the United Kingdom and beyond. Through chilling testimony and rigorous analysis, the film compels viewers to consider the real cost of staying silent in the face of encroaching censorship and compelled ideology,” commented filmmaker Isaiah Smallman.  

“As we witness what’s happening in the streets and courtrooms of today’s West – where citizens face prosecution for voicing their beliefs online, or even praying silently in their heads near abortion facilities – this documentary is a timely reminder that the right to free expression must be zealously defended,” added ADF International spokesperson Lois McLatchie Miller, featured in the film discussing the legal organisation’s cases defending individuals prosecuted for peaceful expression in abortion facility “buffer zones”. 

Amongst other examples, the documentary examines the story of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who was arrested in 2022 for praying silently near an abortion facility in Birmingham.

Vaughan-Spruce was charged, tried, found innocent, and re-arrested weeks later for the very same activity. After several months of investigation, with support from ADF International, Vaughan-Spruce received £13,000 compensation from police. However, attempts to criminalise silent prayer continue across the country.  

The event is by invitation only. Media interested in covering the premiere and panel discussion are encouraged to contact Lois McLatchie Miller by June 27th.  

Trailer below:

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Pictured: Lois McLatchie Miller, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce

STATEMENT: UK MPs vote to legalise assisted suicide

LONDON – (20 June 2025) UK MPs today voted by a majority of 23 to legalise assisted suicide.

Reacting to this news, Robert Clarke, Director of Advocacy for ADF International, said:

“Today’s vote to approve the Leadbeater Bill on assisted suicide—314 to 291—is a grave and chilling development for the United Kingdom. Parliament has signaled its willingness to cross a dangerous moral line: allowing the intentional ending of life as a form of healthcare. When the state begins to endorse death as a solution to suffering, the most vulnerable—those who are elderly, disabled, depressed, or alone—will soon find themselves wondering if their lives are still worth living, or worse, if they’re expected to die.

“The consequences of this decision will echo far beyond the chamber walls. It opens the door to coercion, and to lives cut short out of fear, despair, or pressure. No safeguard can undo the message this bill sends: that some lives are no longer worth protecting. At every stage, support for the bill has dropped and this narrow vote underscores the growing concern with this deeply flawed bill.

“Parliament has fundamentally failed to protect the country from a descent into a culture of death. As the bill moves forward, we urge the House of Lords to listen to the voices of doctors, disability advocates, and families who know that real compassion means care, not killing. A society that values life must have the courage to say no to assisted suicide.”

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Pictured: Robert Clarke

STATEMENT: The Leadbeater Bill will harm far more than it helps

Growing euthanasia practice in Canada spells a deep crisis of meaning
  • UK Parliament debates amendments on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill , including on conscientious objection
  • Bill faces serious backlash, including from Royal College of Psychiatrists, who announced this week it “cannot support” the Bill, citing “many, many factors” that need addressing
Growing euthanasia practice in Canada spells a deep crisis of meaning

The following statement may be attributed to Robert Clarke, Director of Advocacy for ADF International:

“A truly compassionate society protects the vulnerable to live – it doesn’t steer them to death. The assisted suicide bill now advancing through Westminster is a dangerous proposal that threatens to devalue, endanger, and ultimately extinguish the lives of those who deserve better.

Today’s debate in parliament exposed just how unworkable this Bill is. There was lengthy discussion on a new clause to ensure a right as basic as conscientious objection.

Among those speaking, Anneliese Dodds MP and Tim Farron MP pointed to the official data from Oregon: over half of those who took state-prescribed lethal drugs did so because they saw themselves as a “burden”. No safeguards are strong enough to prevent implicit – or even explicit – pressure leading to the same result here.

Rebecca Paul MP, a supporter ‘in principle’ of assisted suicide warned that this bill will ‘harm far more people than it will help’ and that ‘those people who will be harmed will be the most vulnerable in our communities’.  The Commons should listen. If even one person is killed on the NHS because they feel pressured to do so, this law will mark one of the gravest human rights failures of our time.”

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Pictured: Robert Clarke

Grandmother arrested in Scottish abortion “buffer zone” reacts as parliamentarians push for extension of censored public space 

  • Parliamentarian Gillian Mackay tells BBC she wants the government to consider extending Scottish “buffer zones”, despite already being the largest in the world
  • Glasgow grandmother became first to be arrested under the new laws after holding a sign reading “coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” – says she is “prepared to go to prison” 
  • U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticised Scottish law, raising concerns that residents in “buffer zone” areas could be punished for even praying within their homes 

GLASGOW (16 May 2025) – The grandmother arrested for holding a sign reading “coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” nearby a Glasgow hospital in March has spoken out following political manoeuvers to expand Scotland’s censored “buffer zones” – despite the zones already being the largest of their kind in the world. 

Rose Docherty, 74, was handcuffed, arrested, and driven away in a police car for standing peacefully with a sign inviting conversation with anyone who wanted to approach her in February 2024. A video of her arrest went viral internationally. 

“Of course, there should be laws against harassment, and we all condemn such behaviour. But merely offering conversations near a hospital is not a crime."

- Rose Docherty, arrested for offering consensual conversation in a "buffer zone"

Docherty was standing within 200m of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where a censorial “buffer zone” is enforced. The buffer zone prevents harassment, intimidation, and “influence” of a person’s decision to access abortion services. Docherty denies engaging in any of the prohibited activities. 

Speaking to BBC Scotland’s “Scotcast” this week, Rose Docherty said that the experience had been “alarming”.  

In an exclusive broadcast with the BBC, Docherty explained that she had studied the Scottish “buffer zones” law, which came into force in 2024, and had carefully chosen a sign that did not break any prohibitions. On the day in question, she stood quietly and peacefully near the hospital, not approaching anyone, in order to ensure that any conversations that took place were consensual.  

“I gave consideration to what I was doing…I looked at the law and saw what it said I couldn’t do, and thought, ok, well this is what I can do…I can offer to listen, and if anyone wants to come and speak to me, they can do so, only if they want to come and speak with me ,” she told the podcast. 

Speaking later to ADF International, she reflected: “there was nothing in my conduct or sign that could reasonably be considered harassing, alarming and distressing”. 

The offence of engaging in “influence” within the buffer zone (section 4 Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024) carries a maximum sentence of an unlimited fine. Docherty also told the BBC that she would even be “willing to go to prison” over what had happened. 

Commenting later on her words, Docherty added: 

“I informed BBC that I would be willing to go to prison on the issue because I am unshakeably convinced that nobody should be criminalised for a peaceful offer to speak on any public land in Britain.

“This is a free and democratic society, and no threat of imprisonment will change my mind that what I did was right, completely harmless and in accordance with the purpose and intention of international human rights laws.” 

Parliamentarians begin efforts to expand censorial zone

Video: Rose Docherty was arrested in February 2025 

Gillian Mackay MSP, the parliamentarian responsible for introducing “buffer zones” legislation in 2024, has now suggested that the Scottish government consider expanding the area of prohibition on “influence” outside hospitals. 

Claiming that members of the public have said they still feel intimidated by the presence of pro-life individuals 200m from a hospital, the Green Party parliamentarian said: “I think it’s appropriate that we take those concerns seriously and the government take a look at whether an extension is appropriate or not.“ 

Responding to recent efforts to expand the buffer zone, Docherty said “I believe it wouldn’t matter where we stood…it wouldn’t matter how far they pushed the ‘buffer zone.’” 

Speaking to ADF International, she added, “It wouldn’t matter where we stood –201 meters, or 500 meters away – it seems the authorities would still try to crack down harshly and unfairly on individuals because the government simply disagree with their point of view. This is unjust – of course, there should be laws against harassment, and we all condemn such behaviour. But merely offering conversations near a hospital is not a crime.” 

A Scottish government spokeswoman told the BBC the act allows ministers to extend the size of a buffer zone if it is decided that the existing zone is not adequate. 

She added: “However, before taking such a step, it is essential that ministers are satisfied such an extension is appropriate. 

“We have engaged with the relevant health board to understand any impacts the anti-abortion activity outside of the safe access zone may be having on patients and staff.” 

Buffer zone law could ban prayer within homes – “depending on who’s passing by the window”

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. 

Again 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:  

“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 is already illegal  – but the law goes far beyond that in preventing people from praying or holding consensual conversations in large public areas of Scotland.  

“We were concerned when such legislation was proposed that we’d witness a slippery slope of censorship. Less than a year after the bill passing, already, politicians are considering expanding the ‘buffer zone’ area, which would restrict free speech in an even larger public area. Who are the authorities to determine which conversations members of the public do or don’t want to have?” 

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PICTURED: Rose Docherty; Lois McLatchie Miller, 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