The first conviction for silent prayer in British history should terrify us all

The conviction of Adam Smith-Connor for silent prayer inside an abortion clinic “buffer zone” marks an era-defining moment. The law needs clarifying urgently, says Lois McLatchie-Millar, before the UK’s human right’s record becomes an international laughing stock

British courts have convicted a military veteran and father of two for praying silently about abortion, in his mind, for three minutes, on a public green near an abortion facility in Bournemouth. 

This might have been the most expensive silent prayer in history. Adam Smith-Connor, who served in Afghanistan, was given a criminal record and ordered to pay £9,000 in adverse costs for breaking the rules of a local “buffer zone” ordinance banning “expressions of approval or disapproval” of abortion on several streets in the area. 

Judge Orla Austin ruled that even though he was only engaged in silent, prayerful thought, his presence within the buffer zone could still have a “detrimental effect” on people attending or working at the clinic. Leaning on the fact that Adam’s hands were clasped, and that he may have had his head “slightly bowed”, she concluded that members of the public might have been able to perceive that he was praying.