MPs concerned about free speech ‘double standards’ within the UK ahead of pro-life volunteer’s trial

MPs have expressed concern over the forthcoming trial of a retired scientist who held an indication inside an abortion clinic buffer zone offering assistance to women facing a crisis pregnancy.

Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt, a Christian and retired medical scientist who’s being supported by the Alliance Defending Freedom, held an indication saying “Here to speak, when you want” near an abortion facility in Bournemouth. 

A bunch of cross-party politicians has called on the Home Office to guard consensual conversations, peaceful offers of help, and silent prayer inside abortion clinic buffer zones in light of her case. 

Democratic Unionist Party MP Carla Lockhart said that the treatment of the 62 12 months old revealed an “alarming double standard” in policing and law enforcement.

“Our law enforcement, who have already got limited resources, must concentrate on real crimes as an alternative of entirely benign behaviour, as on this case,” she said. 

“One cannot help but notice an alarming double standard—very objectionable views are sometimes allowed at pro-Palestinian protests within the name of freedom of speech and expression, but the identical right shouldn’t be prolonged to this Christian woman who didn’t even offer an opinion, but merely invited a conversation.

“Why does one rule apply to those protesters, and one other to Livia?”

Senior Tory MP and former minister Sir Edward Leigh said that individuals mustn’t be punished for offering a “harmless chat”.

He said that abortion clinic buffer zones were resulting in “pointless” legal battles as he warned concerning the threat to free speech. 

“Freedom of thought and freedom of speech are the bedrock of a free society,” he said. 

“It’s mad that a retiree is facing trial for inviting people to have a harmless chat. No one must be was a criminal only for peacefully offering to confer with people in a public space.

“All our warnings concerning the effect buffer zones would have on free speech have come true. We’ve seen a lady arrested twice for considering and a Catholic priest charged and prosecuted.

“Both won within the courts but only after a protracted and pointless legal battle that can have a chilling effect on free speech.”

Conservative peer Lord Jackson said the case was an “obvious example of dual policing”. 

“It’s astonishing that individuals of religion offering silent prayers on a matter of conscience are stigmatised, harassed and criminalised whilst those screaming for jihad on hate marches are allowed to spread their poison with impunity,” he said. 

Independent MP Andrew Bridgen said: “There mustn’t be double standards with regards to free speech. Yet, repeatedly, we see evidence that Christian expression is harshly censored, while the proper to voice more fashionable views is protected.”

Sir Edward said that the draft guidance on the Public Order Bill must include protections for consensual conversations and silent prayer inside ‘buffer zones’.

“The Home Secretary must ensure these common sense protections are kept or we’ll see more people like Livia unjustly was criminals by bad law,” he said. 

Conservative MP Andrew Lewer said that Tossici-Bolt’s trial highlighted the threat to freedom of expression and belief “inherent in censorial ‘buffer zones'”. 

“Christianity shouldn’t be criminal. Neither offering charitable help, engaging in consensual conversation, nor praying silently, should ever be illegal within the UK,” he said. 

“The Home Office guidance on buffer zones should not less than protect these in an effort to uphold international standards on freedom of speech and of thought.

“While police crack down on these peaceful activities, they expose a double standard where protesters on different ideological issues are allowed much wider scope to specific their beliefs.”