Dear SPUC supporter,
I have some bad news. MPs have just voted against an amendment that would have specified that silent prayer and consensual conversations outside abortion clinics would not be included in buffer zones legislation.
MPs were voting on an amendment to a clause introducing buffer zones around abortion clinics, which had been added into the Public Order Bill at an earlier stage. The amendment, tabled by pro-life MP Andrew Lewer, was defeated by 299 to 116. The buffer zones Clause itself, as amended by Baroness Sugg in the Lords, was then agreed by voice vote.
It is very disappointing that MPs have rejected even this modest amendment, which was trying to ensure that thoughtcrime was not enshrined in UK law. Introducing buffer zones already means that ordinary citizens will be branded criminals and subject to crippling financial penalties for witnessing peacefully and offering help to women in need. Today MPs have proved that they approve of arresting people even for silent prayer. They heard the outrageous example of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce being arrested for silently praying in Birmingham, and yet decided to introduce buffer zones nationwide.
This is a sad day. We know that buffer zones are not just an outrageous assault on civil liberties, they removes a real lifeline for women. Many children are alive today because their mother received help and support from a compassionate pro-life person outside a clinic. Many women feel like they have to choice to have an abortion, and pro-life vigils give them options.
We are grateful to the many MPs who spoke up for the rights of pro-life people, and for the women and babies who are helped by them. And thank you to you, our supporters, for writing to your MPs – we will send you the list of how MPs voted as soon as it is available.
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