On the morning of April 4, I stood before Poole Magistrates’ Court and heard the word that no one should ever hear in a free and democratic country for simply offering a consensual conversation: guilty.
I have been found “guilty” for holding a sign that read: “Here to talk, if you want” in an abortion facility “buffer zone” in Bournemouth. For this act—an invitation to speak, if someone wanted—I have now been ordered to pay £20,000 in prosecution costs by May 31.
Not for harassment. Not for obstructing anyone. Simply for being present with a peaceful sign, in a public space, willing to listen and converse.
This is a shocking and sobering time for fundamental freedoms in the UK, the country I have been privileged to call home since relocating from my native Italy. But now I am deeply worried about the future of freedom in Great Britain.
Living in Dorset, I am a retired clinical scientist. Like many, I was deeply moved by the isolation and loneliness people experienced during the Covid lockdown. As society slowly reopened, I noticed people offering “free hugs” and spontaneous street kindness to re-establish human connection. That’s where the idea for my sign came from.
Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, was convicted for offering consensual conversation in an abortion facility “buffer zone”.
Livia Tossici-Bolt
In the time I’ve spent holding my sign, it has sparked countless heartfelt conversations with people from all walks of life. We’ve talked about struggles, hope, uncertainty—real moments of connection that are increasingly rare in our world, on all manner of topics.
And yes, I believe every life matters. I care deeply for the vulnerable women who find themselves in difficult circumstances, including those considering abortion—although I did not even discuss abortion within the “buffer zone” on the days on which I am accused of having breached the zone.
I also have never harassed anyone—and never would. That’s wrong and, in any case, already illegal under established law. We don’t need “buffer zones” to prevent harassment.
The “buffer zone” in Bournemouth bans any expression of “approval or disapproval” related to abortion. But how can a simple offer to talk—an invitation that anyone is free to accept or ignore—possibly fall under that definition?
I was there to offer a moment of connection, nothing more. And now, I am paying a heavy price for it. With the legal support of ADF International, I am now considering all of my appeal options. I am committed to standing up for myself, and for everyone in the UK that wants to retain the right to free expression.
In a truly free society, conversation should never be a crime. The United States Department of State was right to call out my case, expressing concern over the state of free expression in the UK.
This is a profoundly difficult moment for me, but also for our entire country. I am deeply grateful for all those who have offered their prayers, encouragement, and solidarity in recent weeks. As always, I’m here to talk. If you want.
