Report calls for new Freedom of Religion Act

An in-depth report on abortion buffer zones says there are serious issues around freedom of belief, religion and speech.

The report also concludes that “a pro-abortion worldview has in effect been legally prioritised and protected from any form of criticism” and calls for the government to introduce a Freedom of Religion Act.

Local authorities have power to impose buffer zones – formally called “public space protection orders” – under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the Public Order Act 2023. The powers were intended to tackle general anti-social behaviour, but have been used to crack down on any form of anti-abortion presence outside abortion clinics and hospitals.