Photo: Eilís Mulroy A series of ongoing court cases across the UK and Ireland are drawing renewed attention to how abortion buffer zone laws are being enforced, ahead of this year’s March for Life on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.
In Northern Ireland, Pastor Clive Johnston appeared in court on April 22 in a high-profile case under the region’s buffer zone legislation. The 77-year-old is accused of breaching the law by preaching near Causeway Hospital, though it is not alleged that abortion was mentioned.
Elsewhere, Ms Claire Brennan was fined after being convicted under the same legislation following her arrest outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. She has indicated she intends to appeal the ruling.
Barrister Jeremiah Igunnubole of ADF International told The Irish Catholic that the rollout of buffer zones “is a grave threat to free speech”, adding that in some cases they have been used to “criminalise… silent prayers”.
Speaking ahead of the march, Ms Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, co- director of March for Life UK, said her experience reflects a wider pattern, describing ongoing investigations as “a punishment by process”.