Thought crime ‘now real’

Nicola Laver  |  UK & Ireland
Date posted:  1 Jul 2024
Share Add       
Thought crime ‘now real’

buffer zones protest

A pro-life campaigner has been fined after refusing to move away from a ‘buffer zone’ outside an abortion clinic in Birmingham.

Two police community support officers from West Midlands Police told Sebastian Vaughan-Spruce that he was breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – even though he had reportedly been standing silently outside the clinic.

Under the Public Order Act, local authorities can impose abortion ‘buffer zones’ making it an offence to engage in any act which has the effect of ‘influencing any person’s decision to access, provide or facilitate the provision of abortion services’. Offenders face an unlimited fine.

Share
< Previous article| UK & Ireland| Next article >
Read more articles by Nicola Laver >>
UK & Ireland
Freedom includes  ‘right to offend’

Freedom includes ‘right to offend’

The right to freedom of expression includes the right to offend, a judge has stressed. Mr Justice Bennathan's comments were …

UK & Ireland
Smyth survivors sue Church of England

Smyth survivors sue Church of England

Please note: This article contains references to abuse.Several victims of the late John Smyth are suing the Church of …

Give a subscription

Our monthly newspaper is the perfect gift for those who love to think deeply

Give here

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search