Prayer has just become the UK's first 'thoughtcrime'

Amendments to the Public Order Bill, which criminalise silent prayer within 150m of any abortion facility in England and Wales, have now been passed into UK law. Ian Paisley MP says genuine tolerance has been trumped by cynical opportunists

Daniel was the biblical character famously arrested and thrown into the lion’s den. What is less well remembered is the reason for his ordeal. His crime? Contravening a sinister new law that outlawed his right to private prayer and forced sole homage to the political regime of the day.

This illiberal edict, cynically constructed by a group of opportunist politicians for a purpose never intended by the king who signed it, led to a death warrant against a peaceful, law-abiding man.