Freedom
Christian Preacher Fights Abortion Buffer Zones
Faith Facts
- Stephen Green challenges Britain’s abortion buffer zones in court, after being convicted for displaying a Bible verse in Ealing.
- The judge acknowledged the restrictions on Christian witness but claimed they were justified to protect abortion access.
- Green and Christian Legal Centre assert that banning prayer and Scripture in public is an attack on Biblical truth and freedom.
Britain’s abortion buffer zone laws, which first began in Ealing, West London, are facing renewed legal scrutiny as Stephen Green defends his right to display Scripture in public. Green was convicted in February 2024 for sharing Psalm 139 and reading from the Bible near an abortion site, actions now prohibited under Public Spaces Protection Orders.
Green’s legal team maintains that these zones silence prayer, speech, and the proclamation of God’s Word, raising serious concerns for Christians across the nation. The judge admitted that this was “a significant interference” with freedom of religion and expression, but privileged abortion access over foundational liberties.
Green declared:
“As a Christian I should be able to preach freely all over the land. Psalm 139 is about how we all belong to God from conception.”
“Buffer zones and this conviction is a direct attack on the Bible and free speech, which is being licenced by the state. I have no choice but to continue to defend myself and fight for justice.”
Ahead of his High Court hearing, Green vowed to stand on principle, refusing to pay court-imposed costs.
Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, emphasized:
“Psalm 139 is one of the most well known and beautiful passages in the Bible which points to the hope and comfort of each person being wonderfully made and looked after by God.”
She continued:
“The effect of the PSPO is to create an area where Bible verses and prayer are banned. Hearing a judge say that verses from Psalm 139 are an ‘act of protest’ and to be punished is devastating.”
“We will stand with Mr Green as he seeks justice in this case.”
In a free society founded on Biblical principles, Christians must remain steadfast in defending the right to share God’s truth and advocate for the unborn. Let us pray for courage and justice as this case unfolds, keeping faith, family, and freedom at the heart of public life.