Parliament is in the process of debating the Public Order Bill which, in Amendment NC11, would introduce “buffer zones” outside abortion facilities across England and Wales to ban pro-life volunteers. The Bill, which passed through the House of Commons last week, is due to go to second reading in the Lords tomorrow (Tuesday).
While most people absolutely condemn the harassment of women under these circumstances and indeed any circumstances, aggressive and threatening behaviour is already illegal. But the proposed bill goes further to prohibit “advising”, “persuading”, “influencing” and even “the expression of opinion” outside abortion facilities.
