Carrying a Bible near an abortion clinic inside a Northern Ireland hospital could now be a crime, police confirm

There’s a debate in Northern Ireland about what constitutes a clash of rights when it comes to healthcare.

As per a report by Fox News, clergy in Northern Ireland who hold a Bible, read scripture aloud or pray beside a patient may be committing a criminal offense. That is, if they do so inside one of the region’s abortion buffer zones — including the stretches of those zones falling on hospital grounds.

The position was set out in a written answer published by the Northern Ireland Policing Board on July 2. It was drafted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland after board member Patrick Nelson asked what the rules mean for routine hospital ministry.

Under the Abortion Services Act 2023, a protected area takes in the premises themselves plus every public space within 100 meters of each entrance and exit. There’s scope to widen that by another 150 meters. People arriving for abortion services are shielded, as are anyone accompanying them and the hospital staff. 

Anybody else who behaves in a way that influences or obstructs a protected person, or causes them “harassment, alarm or distress,” can be prosecuted. And it doesn’t matter if the effect is direct or indrect.

Nelson asked about several activities in his inquiry. Would end-of-life prayer cause an offense? What about a scripture read at a family’s request? There are other variables too. What if a person is carrying religious material through public parts of a hospital? Does visible religious practice count?

The answer was the same each time. Beyond a zone, none of it engages the Act. Within one, an offense may occur — especially if a reasonable observer sees the conduct as harming an individual or influencing their choice.

The PSNI directs individuals to ascertain their own legal basis

The same document by PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) also discusses limits to the act. Most wards and clinical areas sit entirely beyond the Act’s reach. The great bulk of ministry work is untouched unless it brings someone into a zone in connection with abortion services. Anyone unsure of their position is told to seek independent legal advice.

A PSNI spokesperson told Fox News Digital the service “is not seeking to police religion or lawful pastoral care.” They added that freedom of religion and of expression are qualified rights.

Each assessment is fact-specific, the spokesperson said, turning on behaviour rather than on religious items or a person’s role.

The guidance follows the conviction of retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnson, fined £450 over an open-air service held near Causeway Hospital. (per BBC) Johnson, who didn’t bring up abortion during the service, is appealing with backing from The Christian Institute, which argues the wording might catch everyday ministry.

Clare Bailey, the former Green Party assembly member who brought the bill forward, doesn’t see it that way. She told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra the law was proving “very effective and very clear.”