English authorities accosted a British army veteran as he prayed silently in front of an abortion facility in Bournemouth in November, later issuing the man a 100-pound fine (about $123. 65).
Adam Smith-Connor, the veteran who prayed, told authorities he was praying and was aware that the area around the abortion facility is governed by a protective order that bans prayer, among other activities. Smith-Connor captured the incident on video.
“Can I ask what is the nature of your prayer today?” a police officer responds.
Smith-Connor said he is praying for his son, who died in an abortion.
“I’m sorry for your loss, but ultimately, I have to go along with the guidelines of the Public Space Protection Order to say that we are in the belief, therefore, that you are in breach of the PSPO, which says about prayer and also acts of disapproval … ,” the officer said.
The Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council in Southern England began enforcing the order on Oct. 13, according to Alliance Defending Freedom UK, which is representing Smith-Connor in a legal challenge to the fine.
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