Safe access zones were part of the Public Order Act which gained royal assent in May 2023.
Campaigners have accused the Government of “dragging its heels” on ensuring women do not face harassment outside abortion clinics one year after safe access zones were signed into law.
The Home Office has said it anticipates commencing Section 9 of the Act “no later than Spring 2024”, but no specific date has been given. In March, Home Office minister Laura Farris rejected the notion that the Government is attempting to “water down” the legislation but said silent prayer is a “difficult category” when it comes to where the line falls between competing rights and obligations.
“No-one knows what they have been through before coming to us and we are helpless without the zones in place.”
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