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Pastor Fined £450, Appeals Prayer Buffer-Zone Conviction

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Police Service warned that clergy praying or reading scripture inside abortion buffer zones could breach the Abortion Services Act 2023.
Officials said any conduct seen as influencing a patient within the zone could be prosecuted, including prayers, family-requested scripture and visible religious practice.
Retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnson was fined £450 for an open-air service near Causeway Hospital and is appealing the conviction with support from the Christian Institute.

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Story summary

The Police Service warned that clergy praying or reading scripture inside abortion buffer zones could breach the Abortion Services Act 2023.
Officials said any conduct seen as influencing a patient within the zone could be prosecuted, including prayers, family-requested scripture and visible religious practice.
Retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnson was fined £450 for an open-air service near Causeway Hospital and is appealing the conviction with support from the Christian Institute.