{"id":21118,"date":"2023-03-07T18:34:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T18:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adf.uk\/?p=10529"},"modified":"2024-01-11T14:10:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T13:10:21","slug":"parliament-introduces-thought-crime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/en-gb\/news\/parliament-introduces-thought-crime","title":{"rendered":"Parliament introduces first \u201cthought-crime\u201d into UK law"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">House of Commons vote 116-299 to criminalise all forms of \u201cinfluence\u201d near abortion facilities across England and Wales<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amendments to protect silent prayer and consensual conversations fail to gain support<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">WESTMINSTER, LONDON (7<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> March 2023)<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &#8211; <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Members of Parliament have approved the introduction of censorship zones (also known as \u201cbuffer zones\u201d) outside of abortion facilities across England and Wales.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clause 11 (formerly Clause 9 then Clause 10) of the Public Order Bill could criminalise any form of \u201cinfluence\u201d outside of abortion facilities \u2013 including in the form of silent prayer. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An amendment to permit silent prayer and consensual conversations within the censorship zones was proposed by Andrew Lewer MP, but failed to pass after a vote of 116 to 299. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cToday\u2019s vote marks a watershed moment for fundamental rights and freedoms in our country. Parliament had an opportunity to reject the criminalisation of free thought, which is an absolute right, and embrace individual liberty for all. Instead, Parliament chose to endorse censorship and criminalise peaceful activities such as silent prayer and consensual conversation,\u201d said Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF UK, the legal organisation working to promote fundamental freedoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">\u201c<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">Today<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">it\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> abortion<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">. T<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">omorrow it could be another <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">contested <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">matter of political debate. The principle <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">remains<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> that the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> government <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">should never be able to punish anyone for prayer<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">let alone silent prayer, and peaceful and consensual conversation.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">Thankfully, where the clause <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">initially<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">called for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">a prison sentence <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">for those convicted of<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> engag<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">ing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> in these peaceful activities n<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">ea<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">r<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">abortion fac<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">il<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">ties<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">, t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">he <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">pe<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">nalty <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">now <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">has <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">bee<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">n <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">reduced t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">o a fine. Nevertheless, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> is<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> extremely<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\"> regrettable that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">P<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">arliament, which exists to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">protect and champion the rights of the electorate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">, has <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">taken a clear <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">stance against fundamental <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">freedoms, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">open<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">ing the door for nationwide thought-crime prosecution<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250974151 BCX0\">\u201d he continued.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW250974151 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Concerns about criminalising thought<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The vote comes despite the most recent government review (2018) finding that censorship zones would be an unnecessary and \u201cdisproportionate\u201d restriction on rights, given that harassment is already criminalised under existing legislation, and instances of harassment outside abortion facilities were found to be \u201crare\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Most frequently, according to the review, volunteers pray, or offer leaflets about help services available to women who would be interested in alternatives to abortion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to BBC polling last year, almost 1 in 5 women who have abortions do so against their will.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Arrests for Silently Praying<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The move comes the day after news that charitable volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was arrested for the second time for praying silently, in her mind, near an abortion facility in Birmingham, where local authorities have implemented a \u201cbuffer zone\u201d via a Public Spaces Protection Order.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The arrest, which was attended by six police officers, comes only weeks after Ms. Vaughan-Spruce was found \u201cnot guilty\u201d for the same activity by the Birmingham Magistrates\u2019 Court. She had been criminally charged in December on the basis that her silent, imperceptible prayers amounted to \u201cintimidation\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The prosecution were not able to present any evidence to the court to substantiate the \u201cthought-crime\u201d, and Ms. Vaughan-Spruce&#8217;s name was cleared, along with Father Sean Gough, who was similarly charged and acquitted.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cOnly three weeks ago, the Court made clear that my silent prayers were not a crime. And yet, again, I have been arrested and treated like a criminal for having the exact same thoughts in my head, in the same location. The ambiguity of laws that limit free expression and thought \u2013 even in peaceful, consensual conversation or in silent, internal prayer \u2013 leads to abject confusion, to the detriment of our essential fundamental rights. Nobody should be criminalised for their thoughts,\u201d said Isabel Vaughan-Spruce.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cParliament\u2019s introduction of censorship zones across the country today will mean that many more innocent people like Isabel Vaughan-Spruce will be unjustly criminalised for their silent thoughts, or for peacefully offering leaflets about charitable help available to women who might want to hear about other options. In the name of choice, these zones actually eliminate the options available to women. A free society should never prohibit the peaceful exchange of information,\u201d commented Igunnubole.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">MPs raise concerns<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Speaking in Parliament, Conservative MP Andrew Lewer (Northampton South) backed his proposed amendment to protect silent prayer and consensual conversation. He condemned harassment against women in every circumstance, but made clear that such actions are &#8220;a world away&#8221; from the police being able to detain people and question them for praying silently.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cPolice shouldn&#8217;t be asking \u2018What are you thinking about?!\u2019\u201d, said Lewer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Censorship of this sort is a notoriously slippery slope. It might not be your thoughts that are criminalised today, but I think we should all be careful not to open the door to that tomorrow about some other opinions that people may hold about something else,\u201d the MP continued.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sir John Hayes, Member for South Holland and The Deepings, emphasised that this amendment should not be seen as an opportunity to debate abortion, but was a matter of protecting free speech. \u201cThis is about freedom \u2013 it\u2019s not about the purpose of freedom or the location of it. It\u2019s about the ability to think, and speak, and pray freely,\u201d he explained.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes in Wiltshire, cautioned other Members that \u201cwe are making a momentous step, we are crossing an enormous river. When we criminalise prayer\u2026 or indeed consensual conversations\u2026 we are doing something of enormous significance.\u201d He ended his remarks with the question, \u201cwhat are we doing, by saying that people should not be allowed to pray, quietly, on their own?\u201d. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nick Fletcher, MP for Don Valley, reminded the chamber that women \u201cmight actually want somebody to turn to\u2026 And if somebody is being coerced\u2026 to have a forced abortion, that [volunteer] could be somebody\u2026 who is actually there to help.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough, expressed his views on Isabel Vaughan-Spruce\u2019s arrest before making a comparison with George Orwell\u2019s 1984:\u201cThere was nothing [Isabel Vaughan-Spruce] was obviously doing which was harassment or in any way objectionable. The police officer had to actually go into her mind\u2026 this is what surely is quite dangerous.\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amendments to protect silent prayer and consensual conversations fail to gain support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":22883,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[736],"tags":[899,909,898],"class_list":["post-21118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-free-speech-en-gb","tag-religious-freedom-en-gb","tag-uk-en-gb"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Parliament introduces first \u201cthought-crime\u201d into UK law - 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