UK Police Pay Up After Illegally Censoring Silent Prayer

The freedoms of speech and religion are two fundamental human rights that should be enjoyed by all people. But these fundamental freedoms are increasingly under assault in today’s world.

Sadly, the United Kingdom—the birthplace of the Magna Carta and many of the human rights we enjoy today—is one of the countries heavily restricting free speech and religious exercise. In two instances between 2022 and 2023, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce experienced the rising censorship in the U.K. firsthand.

‘Are you praying?’

In 2014, the U.K.’s Anti-social Behavior, Crime and Policing Act gave local authorities the power to issue “public spaces protection orders.” In multiple U.K. cities, including Birmingham, England, these orders have been used to create so-called “buffer zones” around abortion facilities. The zones censor people by broadly preventing “protesting,” which U.K. officials have said can include peaceful activities like counseling and prayer.

Isabel is a charitable volunteer who often prays outside of abortion facilities. In November 2022, she was praying silently outside one such facility in Birmingham when she was approached by U.K. police.

After Isabel clearly told an officer that she was not protesting, he asked if she was praying. She replied that she “might be” praying in her head. The officer asked her if she would come to the police station for questioning, and she said that if she had a choice, she would not.

He then told her that she was under arrest “on account of suspicion of failing to comply with a Public Spaces Protection Order.” Another officer then thoroughly searched Isabel’s person on the public .

ADF UK supported Isabel’s legal defense, and in February 2023, Isabel was acquitted of all charges. But just a few weeks later, she was arrested yet again.

Just like in the first instance, Isabel was doing nothing more than silently and peacefully praying outside the Birmingham abortion facility. This time, six officers arrived on the scene, and one confirmed to her that “you’ve said you’re engaging in prayer, which is the offense.”

Police force acknowledges wrongdoing

Following the second arrest, Isabel’s story sparked more outcry in the United States. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) even cited her arrests as examples of European governments “targeting individuals for their peaceful religious expression.”

ADF UK continued to support Isabel’s legal defense, and in August 2024, West Midlands Police admitted to treating Isabel unjustly. As part of its acknowledgment, the department agreed to pay approximately $17,000 for violating Isabel’s fundamental rights to free speech and freedom of religion.

“There is no place for Orwell’s ‘thought police’ in 21st Century Britain, and thanks to legal support I received from ADF UK, I’m delighted that the settlement that I have received today acknowledges that,” Isabel said. “Yet despite this victory, I am deeply concerned that this violation could be repeated at the hands of other police forces."

More work to be done in the U.K.

As Isabel correctly pointed out, the work to protect free speech and religious freedom is far from complete in the U.K. Even after Isabel’s acquittal and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing from West Midlands Police, the country is still planning to increase its censorship efforts.

In 2023, the U.K. adopted the Public Order Act, which will ban all forms of “influencing” within 150 meters of all abortion facilities nationwide. The act is set to be rolled out in the near future, and many pro-life volunteers have expressed concerns that its vague wording will allow police to convict them for engaging in consensual conversation, praying, or simply offering a leaflet about help and services available outside abortion facilities.

ADF UK is also defending two more citizens who were wrongfully arrested in relation to so-called “buffer zones.” Military veteran Adam Smith-Connor and retired scientist Livia Tossici-Bolt are both facing trial in Bournemouth, England—Adam for praying silently, and Livia for holding a sign that read “here to talk, if you want.”

While Isabel’s victory is certainly a step in the right direction, no one should face criminal charges or other punishment for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights. The U.K. must respect citizens’ rights to free speech and religious freedom, and ADF is committed to protecting these fundamental rights in the U.K. and around the world.