{"id":45051,"date":"2024-03-28T12:27:53","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T11:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/?p=45051"},"modified":"2024-05-03T10:57:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T09:57:33","slug":"mps-call-for-free-speech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/en-gb\/news\/mps-call-for-free-speech","title":{"rendered":"MPs call on Home Office to allow consensual conversation and silent prayer in \u201cbuffer zones\u201d after woman charged for \u201coffering to talk\u201d\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"45051\" class=\"elementor elementor-45051\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3c8febc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3c8febc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5df43bde\" data-id=\"5df43bde\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73bc9e7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73bc9e7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;\\&quot;Aptos\\&quot;,sans-serif&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\">Five cross-party politicians, Sir Edward Leigh, Andrew Lewer, Carla Lockhart, Andrew Bridgen, and Lord Jackson, call out censorship of retired medical scientist<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;\\&quot;Aptos\\&quot;,sans-serif&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\">MPs highlight \u201cdouble standards\u201d when it comes to free speech in the UK<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;\\&quot;Aptos\\&quot;,sans-serif&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=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt will face trial for peacefully holding a sign within an abortion \u201cbuffer zone\u201d; ADF UK is supporting her legal defence<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e8c8fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-featured-image elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2e8c8fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-featured-image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-43456\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia.jpg 1159w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e4650ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e4650ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">LONDON (28<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> March 2024)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &#8211; MPs have called on the Home Office to protect consensual conversation and silent prayer in \u201cbuffer zones\u201d after a woman was charged for holding a sign.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Four MPs and one peer also said the crackdown on what one MP called the \u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">entirely benign behaviour<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d of Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt, 62, a Christian woman and retired medical scientist, showed a double standard in law enforcement.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dr Tossici-Bolt, whose legal defence is being supported by ADF UK, is facing trial for holding a sign that read: \u201cHere to talk, if you want,\u201d in a \u201cbuffer zone\u201d around an abortion facility in Bournemouth.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reacting to Dr Tossici-Bolt\u2019s case, senior Tory MP and former minister Sir Edward Leigh said:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;\u201cFreedom of thought and freedom of speech are the bedrock of a free society.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIt\u2019s mad that a retiree is facing trial for inviting people to have a harmless chat. No one should be turned into a criminal just for peacefully offering to talk to people in a public space.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAll our warnings about the effect buffer zones would have on free speech have come true. We\u2019ve seen a woman arrested twice for thinking and a Catholic priest charged and prosecuted. Both won in the courts but only after a long and needless legal battle that will have a chilling effect on free speech.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17a4a78f elementor-blockquote--skin-clean elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"17a4a78f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span style=\"color: #AF272F\">\"It\u2019s mad that a retiree is facing trial for inviting people to have a harmless chat. <\/span>No one should be turned into a criminal just for peacefully offering to talk to people in a public space.\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">- Sir Edward Leigh, MP<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70d0a35f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"70d0a35f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Under a public spaces protection order (PSPO), a censorial buffer zone was put in place by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council around an abortion facility.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk\/documents\/communities\/Signed-PSPO-Ophir-Road-and-Surrounding-Area.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">PSPO<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> prohibits specific named activities, such as \u201cengaging in an act of approval\/disapproval or attempted act of approval\/disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services\u201d, including through \u201cprayer\u201d and \u201ccounselling\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A double standard on free speech<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Politicians have also called out double standards in the authorities\u2019 approach to free speech and thought.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Democratic Unionist Party MP Carla Lockhart<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">commented:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cOur law enforcement, who already have limited resources, must focus on real crimes instead of entirely benign behaviour, as in this case<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cOne cannot help but notice an alarming double standard\u2014very objectionable views are often allowed at pro-Palestinian protests in the name of freedom of speech and expression, but the same right is not extended to this Christian woman who did not even offer an opinion, but merely invited a conversation.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhy does one rule apply to those protestors, and another to Livia?<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conservative peer Lord Jackson said:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;It&#8217;s astonishing that people of faith offering silent prayers on a matter of conscience are stigmatised, harassed and criminalised whilst those screaming for jihad on hate marches are allowed to spread their poison with impunity.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAn obvious example of dual policing. All under a Conservative Government. Disgraceful and embarrassing.&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Independent MP Andrew Bridgen said:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThere should not be double standards when it comes to free speech. Yet, repeatedly, we see evidence that Christian expression is harshly censored, while the right to voice more fashionable views is protected.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">PSPOs have been widely criticised by free speech campaigners, as well as politicians, for their censorious effects on free speech, thought, and religious liberty. Defenders of \u201cbuffer zones\u201d often say they are intended to prevent harassment\u2014but harassment is already a crime, making the existence of \u201cbuffer zones\u201d unnecessary and malign.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cBuffer zones\u201d are to be rolled out around abortion centres across the country as part of the Public Order Act 2023. Draft Home Office guidance clarified that silent prayer and consensual conversation would be protected in \u201cbuffer zones\u201d, but two MPs\u2014one Conservative and one Labour\u2014have pushed for even these to be censored.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-650cba00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"650cba00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Home Office guidance must uphold free speech<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The final Home Office guidance on \u201cbuffer zones\u201d is expected soon, and MPs have said Dr Tossici-Bolt\u2019s case shows the importance of the guidance protecting these basic freedoms.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sir Edward said: <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLivia\u2019s case shows how important it is for the draft guidance on the Public Order Bill to protect consensual conversations and silent prayer in \u2018buffer zones\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe Home Secretary must ensure these common sense protections are kept or we\u2019ll see more people like Livia unjustly turned into criminals by bad law.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conservative MP Andrew Lewer said:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Cases like Livia&#8217;s highlight the threat to free expression and belief inherent in censorial \u2018buffer zones\u2019. Christianity is not criminal. Neither offering charitable help, engaging in consensual conversation, nor praying silently, should ever be illegal in the UK.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe Home Office guidance on buffer zones should at least protect these in order to uphold international standards on freedom of speech and of thought.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhile police crack down on these peaceful activities, they expose a double standard where protesters on different ideological issues are allowed much wider scope to express their beliefs.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bridgen said:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLivia should not be criminalised for offering to talk. Her case demonstrates that final Home Office guidance on the Public Order Bill must protect consensual conversation, along with silent prayer, in buffer zones.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05d3801 elementor-blockquote--skin-clean elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"05d3801\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span style=\"color: #AF272F\">\"Neither offering charitable help, engaging in consensual conversation, nor praying silently, should ever be illegal in the UK.  <\/span><span style=\"color: #AF272F\">\n\n<\/span>The Home Office guidance on buffer zones should at least protect these in order to uphold international standards on freedom of speech and of thought.\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">- Andrew Lewer MP<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68cbc50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"68cbc50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A free vote?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bridgen added that the vote for \u201cbuffer zones\u201d in the Public Order Act should have never passed in the first place, as since it was concerned with public order and free speech, it should have been whipped.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He questioned what role the Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt played in that vote not being whipped, and criticised her vote in favour of \u201cbuffer zones\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIn fact, as a matter of public order and civil liberties, the vote on enforcing buffer zones across the country should have been whipped in favour of free speech. Why was this not the case?,\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Bridgen said.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He added: <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAs Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt works closely with the Chief Whip. She was in this role at the time of the buffer zone vote. She voted for censorious buffer zones and must answer the question of what role she played in that vote being a free vote.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe public deserves to know the answer to this, especially in light of discussion about her possibly being the next Tory leader.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNo potential leader of the Conservative Party should support viewpoint censorship.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">UK has always valued free speech<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lockhart commented:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLivia\u2019s case underlines the urgent need for the Home Secretary\u2019s guidance on buffer zones to safeguard consensual conversations.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIt must also safeguard silent prayer\u2014other cases, such as that of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce who was arrested, interrogated, charged, and prosecuted before eventually being vindicated for her thoughts, show the dystopian consequences of criminalising this.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNo one should want to live in a society where the state has the power to say what you can or can\u2019t think, or what peaceful interactions you can or can\u2019t have with others.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">She added:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cThe UK has always been a country that values freedom to hold, express and discuss a wide range of opinions and deeply held beliefs. We need to ensure those freedoms are not restricted by postcode, and not policed out of the public sphere by prejudiced policing.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A censorious trend<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dr Tossici-Bolt\u2019s case is the latest of several, which show the censorious and dystopian effects of \u201cbuffer zones\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was arrested twice for silently praying in a buffer zone, a Catholic priest, Father Sean Gough, was charged for the same act, and Adam Smith-Connor is also facing trial for silent prayer.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vaughan-Spruce and Father Sean, whose cases were supported by ADF UK, were vindicated through the courts and all charges against them have been dropped. Smith-Connor\u2019s case is ongoing, and his trial will be in September. His case is also supported by ADF UK.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cUnder vaguely-written local \u201cbuffer zone\u201d measures, we have seen volunteers like Livia criminalised simply for offering help to women in need; and others dragged through courts for praying, even silently, in their minds.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe principle of freedom of thought and speech must be defended both within and outside \u2018buffer zones\u2019. The Home Office have sought to keep our country in line with international law by protecting freedom of thought and of consensual conversation in the draft buffer zone guidance. It is vital, for the preservation of democracy, that this stands,\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> commented Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5da4ac15 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5da4ac15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e6d3f96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e6d3f96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Images for free use in print or online in relation to this story only<\/p><p><em>Pictured: Jeremiah Igunnubole (ADF UK); Livia Tossici-Bolt<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b3eefc3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"6b3eefc3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;1:1&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns&quot;:4,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-with-Jeremiah-Igunnubole-ADF-UK-004.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"6b3eefc3\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Livia With Jeremiah Igunnubole ADF UK (004)\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM0NjAsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9hZGZpbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLm9yZ1wvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNFwvMDNcL0xpdmlhLXdpdGgtSmVyZW1pYWgtSWd1bm51Ym9sZS1BREYtVUstMDA0LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6IjZiM2VlZmMzIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-with-Jeremiah-Igunnubole-ADF-UK-004-1024x682.jpg\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"682\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"6b3eefc3\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Livia\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM0NTYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9hZGZpbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLm9yZ1wvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNFwvMDNcL0xpdmlhLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6IjZiM2VlZmMzIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Livia-1024x682.jpg\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"682\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Livia_Tossici_Bolt_Jeremiah-1.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"6b3eefc3\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Livia_Tossici_Bolt_Jeremiah.jpg\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjE2OTYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9hZGZpbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLm9yZ1wvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyM1wvMTJcL0xpdmlhX1Rvc3NpY2lfQm9sdF9KZXJlbWlhaC0xLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6IjZiM2VlZmMzIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/adfinternational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Livia_Tossici_Bolt_Jeremiah-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"500\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five cross-party politicians, Sir Edward Leigh, Andrew Lewer, Carla Lockhart, Andrew Bridgen, and Lord Jackson, call out censorship of retired medical scientist\u00a0 MPs highlight \u201cdouble standards\u201d when it comes to free speech in the UK\u00a0 Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt will face trial for peacefully holding a sign within an abortion \u201cbuffer zone\u201d; ADF UK is supporting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":43456,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[736],"tags":[1060,898],"class_list":["post-45051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-censorship-en-gb","tag-uk-en-gb"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>MPs call on Home Office to allow consensual conversation and silent prayer in \u201cbuffer zones\u201d after woman charged for \u201coffering to talk\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 - ADF International<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Five cross-party politicians call out censorship of retired medical scientist who faces trial for offering to talk inside a &quot;buffer 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