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Anti-abortion protests with ‘silent prayers’ outside abortion clinics could be allowed to be held despite the House of Commons overwhelmingly voting to block abortions, campaign says The family is concerned.
A minister told Labor MPs that when assessing whether the new law would allow for a moment of silence in the 150m-wide exclusion zone outside clinics, there must be a “balance” between the conflicting human rights of expression, assembly and privacy. We need to take it.”
The government is expected to announce in the coming weeks whether silence will be allowed under the new security law, which is included as guidance for police, after consulting on the plans earlier this year.
as I A consultation document revealed in January suggested that the practice should be allowed because prayer is not considered an illegal act under human rights law.
This comes as House members overwhelmingly voted to block the Rose Amendment, which would have allowed silent prayers and “consensual communication” that pro-choice advocates consider harassment, in the final stages of last year’s security bill. This was despite voting in favor.
In response to the backlash, Home Secretary James Cleverley suggested such a practice was unacceptable and signaled a change of direction, insisting that the final guidance would reflect the “expressed will of Parliament”. did.
But Justice Minister Laura Faris told Labor MP Rupa Huk in a parliamentary response that “a balance needs to be struck” between competing rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Mr Faris told Labor MPs: “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to feel harassed or threatened when exercising their legal right to abortion services.”
“I hope she will be relieved to hear that Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 is expected to come into force by this spring at the latest.
“The consultation on the guidance published by the Home Office ended on 22 January and a final response will be published in due course. However, one thing must be said: Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights It is right that a balance needs to be struck where competing rights are involved, including those based on
Article 10 protects freedom of expression and Article 11 protects freedom of assembly. Article 8 provides the right to privacy and family life.
Haku said: I: “This is a move that the government first voted on in Parliament in 2022 and again last year by excluding ‘silent prayer’ from the ‘safe access zone’ set out in Article 9 of People’s Rights.” It seems that they are preparing another U-turn that directly reverses what they have already done. The Mandate Act, despite opposition from members of Congress.
“Talking about ‘balance’ is strange and seems to misunderstand the nature of the actual activity happening around the clinic and the impact it has on users.
“The Ealing Local Ordinance (PSPO) has been upheld in the face of judicial challenges at almost every level of the bar in Europe.
“The point of the amendment was that a national legislative solution was needed, but as the guidance stands, most areas, including Ealing, will likely need a PSPO anyway.
“There is an argument that this time MPs may launch a judicial review because it effectively overrides the will and sovereignty of Parliament.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to be harassed or threatened simply for exercising their legal right to access abortion services.”
“We are currently considering all responses to the consultation and final guidance will be published in due course.”