All cases

Filtered by: Freedom of Association and Assembly

Retired pastor faces trial for public worship service near abortion clinic

March 21, 2025, United Kingdom

Clive Johnston, a retired pastor in Northern Ireland is facing trial for holding an open-air Christian service near an abortion clinic, raising serious concerns about the impact of so-called ‘buffer zone’ laws on religious freedom and freedom of expression.

Christian prayer leader first charged under Scotland's buffer zone law

February 24, 2025, United Kingdom

Rose Docherty, a 74-year-old Christian and leader of the pro-life prayer group "40 Days for Life", has become the first person to be arrested under Scotland's new abortion 'buffer zone' law for holding a silent vigil near a Glasgow hospital. The law, which criminalises any attempt to 'influence' abortion decisions within 200 metres of a facility, raises fundamental rights concerns. Pro-life groups plan to hold upcoming prayer vigils only outside the buffer zones, but politicians are already pushing for further extensions of the zones.

"Low-status" prisoners in Belarus banned from religious practice

January 16, 2025, Belarus

In a growing assault on religious freedom, several prisoners in Belarus are being denied any contact with religious services or members of the clergy because they are considered 'low status'. The ban even prevents them from possessing religious literature or devotional objects.

UPDATE: £7,500 PROSECUTION COSTS FOR HOLDING BIBLE VERSE SIGN

January 15, 2025, United Kingdom

On 15 January 2025, the Crown Court rejected Stephen Green's appeals and confirmed his guilty verdict. The Christian preacher will now have to pay more than £7,500 in fines and prosecution costs for silently holding a Bible verse.

Catholic teacher fired for upholding traditional Christian values

January 8, 2025, Austria

In Austria, a Catholic teacher has been banned from teaching for two years after being sacked for defending traditional moral values at public demonstrations. The teacher was also ordered to pay €24,000 in legal costs.

Pastor and Christian community offered protection by police

December 12, 2024, Germany

Protestant pastor Ralf Sedlak has been the target of several threats and attacks following a sermon criticising the Hamas attack on Israel in October. The police are now being called in to protect him and his family, as well as to provide security for church services as all members of the congregation face hostility.

New UK Buffer Zone Bill restricts silent prayer near abortion clinics

October 31, 2024, United Kingdom

On 31 October 2024, Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 (POA) came into force, introducing new restrictions on freedom of expression and religion within the so-called 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

UPDATE: Ireland's "buffer zone" law comes into force

October 10, 2024, Ireland

In October 2024, Ireland implemented a "buffer zone" law that prohibits any conduct that could "influence" abortion decisions within 100 metres of clinics. The law also restricts speech on private property near public areas, raising concerns about restrictions on religious freedom.

NI Court Prosecutes Man and Woman for Praying in Coleraine "Buffer Zone"

July 30, 2024, United Kingdom

In Northern Ireland, a court is set to rule on the case of a woman and a man who were arrested for praying inside an abortion "buffer zone" in October 2023. If found guilty in the current hearing, the woman who pleaded not guilty faces up to six months in prison. The police arrested them without any prior complaints about their presence on the street.

SCOTLAND: MOST EXTREME BUFFER ZONE LAW COMES INTO FORCE

July 25, 2024, United Kingdom

On 22 July 2024, Scotland's highly restrictive abortion 'buffer zone' law came into force, creating a 200-metre zone around abortion facilities where it will be an offence to 'influence' the decision of anyone entering the facility. Offences include acts committed on private property if the act “is capable of being seen or heard by another person who is within the safe access zone“.