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STATEMENT: In response to Rishi Sunak’s comments on UK censorship zones

  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been challenged by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP to “ensure that this country remains a beacon for freedom of religion or belief across the world” in light of recent arrests over silent prayer near abortion facilities
  • Viral video shows Isabel – – Vaughan-Spruce searched, arrested after being asked “are you praying” by three police officers
  • ADF UK are supporting Vaughan Spruce because “nobody should be criminalised for their thoughts”

The following statement may be attributed to Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for ADF UK, who are supporting the defense of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce:


“Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was criminally charged for simply praying in her head outside a closed abortion facility, when no service-users were around. To be able to pray – think – in one’s head is a core human right which is fundamental to everybody, no matter their view on abortion. We urge the Prime Minister to revisit the issues raised by Clause 9 of the Public Order Bill, which go far beyond proportionate condemnation of harassment or obstruction at the entrances of abortion facilities – but rather, will result in many more people being arrested for simply thinking, praying, or peacefully offering information about help available to women who might want it. We join Sir Jefferey Donaldson MP’s call for the Prime Minister to commit to examining the laws of the UK to ensure that this country remains a beacon of freedom of religion or belief across the world.”

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