The United Kingdom Supreme Court has ruled that Northern Ireland can ban pro-life demonstrations and prayers outside of abortion clinics, arguing that it is not a violation of the freedom of assembly.
Northern Ireland passed an “Abortion Safe Access” bill in March, which creates buffer zones around abortion clinics that would prohibit any effort to deter a woman from getting an abortion.
A concern was raised that the legislation’s clause 5(2)(a), which puts a total ban on pro-life actions within the buffer zone, violated the European Convention on Human Rights.In a ruling released Wednesday, U.K. Supreme Court President Robert John Reed wrote that the court unanimously concluded that the bill does not violate the human rights of protesters.
While acknowledging the legislation does restrict pro-life demonstrators’ rights, Reed argued that “this restriction can be justified” as it “pursues a legitimate aim.”
UK Supreme Court upholds ban on prayer outside abort clinics | World News
UK Supreme Court upholds ban on prayer outside abort clinics | World News
