CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after MPs rejected attempts to allow “silent prayer” outside abortion clinics, amid criticism of protest restrictions in Bournemouth.

The Public Order Bill contains powers to make it an offence to interfere with, intimidate or harass women accessing, or people providing, abortion services.

Protesters found guilty of breaching the “safe access zone”, which would extend 150 metres from clinics, could be fined.

This follows the introduction of a public space protection order (PSPO) outside the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) clinic in Ophir Road which criminalises “protesting, namely engaging in an act of approval/disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services”.

A group of Tory MPs tabled an amendment aimed at ensuring no offence is committed if a person is “engaged in consensual communication or in silent prayer” outside the clinics or hospitals.

Bournemouth Echo: BPAS clinic in Ophir Road, Bournemouth.BPAS clinic in Ophir Road, Bournemouth. (Image: Newsquest)

In a free vote, the proposal was rejected by 116 votes to 299, a majority of 183.

Following the decision, BPAS said: “Together with all the partners in our Back Off coalition, it has been a long fight to protect women and the medical professionals that care for them. To parliamentarians, thank you for your support and fight.”

Critics, however, have described the decision as “a watershed moment for fundamental rights and freedoms in our country”.

Jeremiah Igunnubole of faith-based legal advocacy ADF UK said: “Parliament had an opportunity to reject the criminalisation of free thought, which is an absolute right, and embrace individual liberty for all. Instead, Parliament chose to endorse censorship and criminalise peaceful activities such as silent prayer and consensual conversation.

Bournemouth Echo: Police highlight PSPO sign outside abortion clinic in BournemouthPolice highlight PSPO sign outside abortion clinic in Bournemouth (Image: Newsquest)

“Today it’s abortion. Tomorrow it could be another contested matter of political debate.”

Campaigners in Bournemouth instead opined that the act of visible silent prayer outside clinics infringed the rights of women accessing the service.

A spokesperson for Sister Supporter Bournemouth said: “We are overjoyed about the passing of the buffer zone amendment. Anyone with anti-choice views will still be able to express how they feel in the appropriate forum, but they will no longer be able to harass and intimidate women in a bid to prevent them from exercising their legal right to healthcare.

“Women will no longer face being called a murderer, having medically inaccurate leaflets thrust at them, or being made to feel shamed and intimidated through so-called ‘silent prayer’.

“The amendment also means when the Bournemouth abortion clinic moves to new premises, the staff and patients will continue to be protected.”

Bournemouth Echo: Pro-choice campaigners in Bournemouth town centre.Pro-choice campaigners in Bournemouth town centre.

MPs who voted for amending the Bill include:

  • Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch)
  • Richard Drax (South Dorset)
  • Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East)
  • Chris Loder (West Dorset)
  • Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West)
  • Sir Robert Syms (Poole)
  • Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole)

MPs who voted against amending the Bill include:

  • Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East)
  • Simon Hoare (North Dorset)

Conor Burns MP (Bournemouth West) did not vote.