Christian woman convicted for holding sign "here to talk if you want"
A 63-year-old Christian woman, Livia Tossici-Bolt, has been convicted for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by holding a sign that read "here to talk, if you want" near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. This case raises significant concerns about the impact of such orders on religious freedom and the right to free expression.
On March 6, 2025, Tossici-Bolt had appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court, facing charges related to her presence within a designated "buffer zone" around the abortion facility. The PSPO in question prohibits activities perceived as "harassment," "intimidation," or any act of "approval or disapproval" concerning abortion services within the specified area. Tossici-Bolt's sign, offering conversation, was deemed a violation of this order. Notably, during the trial, council officer Rukan Taki admitted he did not personally witness any harassment or intimidation by Tossici-Bolt before issuing the fine.
In the ruling handed down on April 4, district Judge Austin ruled that the council had a reasonable belief that Livia Tossici-Bolt was in breach of the PSPO, despite finding as fact that "the sign made no reference to pregnancy, abortion or religious matters" and hearing evidence from a council officer that "he had not witnessed her intimidating or harassing anyone".
“The council has not adduced any evidence that she was observed by any service user or any other form of harm…neither is there an identified victim in this case,” Dr Tossici-Bolt's counsel stressed.
Following the conviction, the Judge sentenced Dr Tossici-Bolt to a conditional discharge and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £20,000 which must be paid in full by 31 May 2025.
“This is a dark day for Great Britain. I was not protesting and did not harass or obstruct anyone. All I did was offer consensual conversation in a public place, as is my basic right, and yet the court found me guilty. Freedom of expression is in a state of crisis in the UK. What has happened to this country? The US State Department was right to be concerned by this case as it has serious implications for the entire Western world," Dr Tossici-Bolt said following the verdict.
The implementation of PSPOs has been a subject of debate, particularly regarding their broad and ambiguous language. While intended to prevent anti-social behavior, these orders often encompass a wide range of activities, leading to infringements on fundamental rights. In this instance, the PSPO's vague terms allowed for the criminalisation of a peaceful offer of dialogue, highlighting the risk of suppressing legitimate expressions of religious belief and free speech.
Human rights organisations have expressed concern that PSPOs can disproportionately target specific groups, including religious communities. Speaking ahead of her trial, Tossici-Bolt said, “There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this.”
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for the use of PSPOs and their intersection with religious freedoms. It underscores the necessity for careful re-evaluation of such legislation, to ensure that it does not undermine the fundamental rights of individuals to peacefully express their beliefs in public spaces.
The US State Department expressed concern about the case in a tweet on 30 March, less than a week before the verdict: "The US State Department is concerned about this case: “While recently in the UK, DRL Senior Advisor Sam Samson met with Livia Tossici-Bolt, who faces criminal charges for offering conversation within a legally prohibited “buffer zone” at an abortion clinic. We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.”
Sources: ADF International (1), ADF International (2), UK Parliament Committee, US State Department
Image: ADF International