The British army veteran prosecuted for silently praying in front of the abortion clinic was, to his own surprise, caught in the global spotlight when his case was cited by US Vice President JD Vance in a 14 February speech at a landmark security conference in Munich.
Adam Smith-Connor was convicted for silently praying near an abortion clinic, violating a “buffer zone” law that prohibits activities such as prayer within 492 feet of abortion facilities.
The law, part of the Public Order Act 2023, criminalises peaceful actions like prayer, thought, and offers of support near clinics.
Despite his conviction, Smith-Connor plans to appeal the ruling in July. In his speech, Vance criticised Europe for retreating from fundamental freedoms, highlighting Smith-Connor’s prosecution as an example of the erosion of conscience rights.
Smith-Connor, who recently converted to Catholicism, expressed gratitude that Vance highlighted his case and stressed the importance of protecting freedom of conscience in society, citing Britain’s historical commitment to individual rights since the Magna Carta.