A British army veteran has been found guilty of silently praying near an abortion clinic in England.
Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old physiotherapist and father of two, was convicted of breaking a Public Spaces Protection Order by praying silently near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth.
The incident happened in November 2022 in a “buffer zone” around the clinic. These zones are meant to stop pro-life activists from approaching women seeking abortions.
Court records show that Smith-Connor spent about three minutes praying quietly on a public green within the buffer zone. Local council officers approached him and asked about his prayers.
Smith-Connor told them he was praying for his son, who had been aborted years ago. Even though he was silent and peaceful, officials said he broke the rules.
The Poole Magistrates Court ruled against Smith-Connor. They gave him a two-year conditional discharge, meaning he won’t be punished now but could face penalties if he breaks the law again in the next two years.
The court also ordered him to pay £9,000 (about $11,700) for the cost of prosecution.
Smith-Connor was upset by the verdict. He said, “Today, the court has decided that certain thoughts – silent thoughts – can be illegal in the United Kingdom. That cannot be right. All I did was pray to God, in the privacy of my own mind, and yet I stand convicted as a criminal?”
This case has worried many people who care about religious freedom. Jeremiah Igunnubole, a lawyer from Alliance Defending Freedom UK who represented Smith-Connor, called it a “legal turning point of immense proportions.” He thinks that convicting someone for their thoughts could threaten freedom of speech and thought in the country.
Some politicians are also concerned. Sir Edward Leigh, a senior member of parliament, said, “It is disgraceful that in Britain in 2024 someone can be put on trial for praying silently in his head.”
Former MP Miriam Cates added, “This isn’t ‘1984,’ but 2024. Nobody should be on trial for the mere thoughts they hold in their mind.”
This case is part of a bigger issue about buffer zones around abortion clinics in the UK. Right now, five local councils have these zones.
The new Labour government plans to create these zones across the country starting October 31. These rules aim to stop people from trying to change a woman’s mind about getting an abortion.
Smith-Connor’s background makes this story even more interesting. He served in the Army Reserves for 20 years, including time in Afghanistan. He said, “I served…to protect the fundamental freedoms that this country is built upon. I continue that spirit of service as a healthcare professional and church volunteer. It troubles me greatly to see our freedoms eroded to the extent that thought-crimes are now being prosecuted in the U.K.”
This isn’t the only case like this. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who leads a pro-life group called UK March for Life, recently got compensation after being arrested for praying near an abortion clinic.
As believers, we can’t ignore the growing challenges to our faith in today’s world. We see laws and practices that go against God’s teachings. It’s hard to watch as society drifts further from biblical values.
But we shouldn’t lose heart. Instead, these challenges call us to stand firm in our faith.
Let’s also remember our brothers and sisters who face real persecution for their faith in many parts of the world. We should pray for their strength and protection, and for all those who suffer because they follow Jesus.
As we navigate these troubled times, let’s encourage each other and keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our ultimate hope and salvation.