Praying at home may be illegal under Scotland's new 'safe access zones' abortion law

People living within these areas have been cautioned that they may violate the Abortion Services Act (Scotland) 2024 if they engage in any behaviour that could "harass, alarm, or distress" clinic staff or patients.

This includes such actions which take place within their own homes.

Pro-life groups are concerned that praying within these zones could be deemed an offence, following the arrest of several activists for harassment and public order violations in England and Northern Ireland.

The Scottish Government has published guidance to accompany the law change.

It states that examples of activities that could be prohibited if conducted with "intent or recklessness" includes "religious preaching" and "silent vigils".

A letter posted to residents in an Edinburgh "safe access zone" warned they could face criminal prosecution for actions carried out at home, The Telegraph reports.

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It reads: “In general, the offences apply in public places within the safe access zones.

"However, activities in a private place (such as a house) within the area between the protected premises and the boundary of a zone could be an offence if they can be seen or heard within the zone and are done intentionally or recklessly."

Violating the buffer zone could result in fines of up to £10,000 for less serious offences.

However, the most serious offences incur an unlimited fine.

Michael Robinson, executive director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said: "This sinister and deeply Orwellian guidance suggests that the buffer zone legislation could be used to control and regulate religious activity on private property, including displaying a Bible verse saying all life is sacred in their window, or someone silently praying in their front garden – or even their front room if they are seen or heard from the street.

"Most ordinary people, regardless of their views on abortion, would find it excessive and wrong to threaten individuals with hefty fines for praying in their own homes."

Similar legislation will be enforced across England and Wales at the end of October.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Safe access zones are designed to safeguard a woman’s right to access healthcare. The legislation that creates them intentionally does not criminalise any particular behaviour, including prayer."