BRITISH COURT CONDEMNS ARMY VETERAN FOR PRAYING IN HIS THOUGHTS
Adam Smith-Connor has been found guilty of praying silently in an abortion 'buffer zone'. The controversial decision confirms serious restrictions on freedom of religion and even thought UK 'buffer zone' legislation.
As reported by OIDAC, British army veteran and father Adam Smith-Connor was convicted by Bournemouth Magistrates' Court for praying silently in a so-called 'buffer zone' around an abortion clinic. Although Smith-Connor's behaviour was not overt, the court considered that the fact that his head was seen to be slightly bowed and his hands clasped was enough to make the silent prayer an act of 'disapproval of abortion', which is a criminal offence in the zone.
The conviction caused international concern as it was the first time a British citizen had been convicted for the content of his thoughts. As stated by the defence, Smith-Connor did not make any outward manifestation of his prayer, meaning that the court considered a non-overt silent prayer to be sufficient to constitute a crime against those who attend or work in an abortion facility. Commenting on the Court's decision, Smith-Connor said: "It concerns me greatly to see our freedoms eroded to the extent that thoughtcrimes are now being prosecuted in the UK."
The case also revealed a clear intention on the part of the Crown Prosecution Service to use all available resources to pursue cases in this area. Indeed, despite the financial difficulties of the local council, the cost of prosecuting this single case exceeded £100,000.
The decision has provoked widespread reaction and protest as a clear attack on fundamental rights. Commenting on the case, Sir Edward Leigh MP said that "unfortunately we have been seen repeated cases of free speech under threat in the UK when it comes to the expression of Christian beliefs", adding that "to offer a prayer silently in the depths of your heart cannot be an offence". Former MP Miram Cates noted that "buffer zone regulation are disproportionately wide, leaving innocent people vulnerable to prosecution merely for offering help, or simply holding their own beliefs".
Following the overwhelming response to Smith-Connor's case, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued guidance clarifying that silent prayer in an abortion "buffer zone" is not necessarily a criminal offence, as it requires evidence of overt activity. In response, Smith-Connor has announced that he will appeal his conviction, with the support of ADF UK.
The guidance was published on 31 October, the same day as the new 'buffer zone' legislation came into force for the whole of England and Wales (OIDAC reported).
Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster, the lead bishop for life issues, stated that these laws "represent, in effect, a new form of discrimination and authoritarianism". Regrettably, the Smith-Connor case clearly confirms these concerns.
Update: The appeal date has been set for 28th July, 2025.
Source: adfinternational.com, bbc.com, catholicherald.co.uk
Image: ADF International