Scottish Bishops On "Draconian" Abortion Buffer Zone Law - Envisages Criminalising Prayer
The legislation establishes exclusion zones of up to 200 metres around approximately 30 abortion facilities nationwide. Within these zones, conduct deemed to 'influence' decisions relating to abortion may constitute a criminal offence.
The bishops described the law as vague and draconian, adding that it restricts critical voices from democratic debate in the public sphere.
The statement followed the arrest of Rose Docherty, 75, who was detained in autumn 2025 for holding up a sign in silence. It read: "Coercion is a crime. Here to talk. Only if you want." Ms Docherty was standing within the buffer zone surrounding the abortion facility at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Ms Docherty was released after several hours in custody and later appeared in court.
The bishops noted that, when consulted on the proposed legislation, Police Scotland told Parliament that existing powers and offences were sufficient: "When parliaments introduce criminal offences where existing law is already sufficient, questions should be raised and alarm bells should ring. We oppose this law because it is disproportionate and undemocratic."
Even more troubling for the bishops is what the legislation anticipates. Official documentation accompanying the Act acknowledges that it envisages criminalising 'praying audibly' and 'silent vigils'.
They also warned that the legislation extends to private homes within designated zones. "A pro-life poster displayed in a window, an overheard conversation, a prayer said by a window: all of these things could, in principle, fall within the scope of criminal sanction," the bishops said.
Conclusion: "A society confident in its values does not criminalise opposing voices. It does not criminalise silent prayer."
#newsXjlyioefvz