Northern Ireland Police Guidance Says Bible Reading in Hospitals Could Violate Abortion Buffer Zone Laws

Police in Northern Ireland have issued guidance stating that religious activities including Bible reading and prayer at hospital bedsides could constitute criminal violations under abortion buffer zone legislation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland released the clarification on July 2 in response to questions from the Northern Ireland Policing Board about how the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023 applies to hospital chaplains and clergy members.

The 2023 law prohibits conduct that “influences,” “prevents or impedes access,” or “causes harassment, alarm or distress” within 100 meters of facilities providing abortion services. Police emphasized that the statute contains no exemptions based on clergy status or religious identity, meaning that carrying Bibles, reciting Scripture, performing pastoral care, and praying with dying patients could all potentially violate the law if conducted within protected zones.

According to the police guidance, even passive religious expression such as displaying religious materials may trigger criminal liability without any direct interaction occurring. Police stated that a person’s religious intent provides no legal protection, and the determination of whether an offense occurred depends on objective assessment of conduct rather than how individuals characterize their own behavior.

The guidance emerged following the May conviction of retired pastor Clive Johnston, 78, who was fined approximately $614 for preaching a sermon focused on John 3:16 outside a hospital where abortions are performed. The Christian Institute, which backed Johnston’s case, notes he may be the first person prosecuted under the law for preaching without mentioning abortion.

Pastor Jonathan Campbell of Newbuildings Independent Methodist Church in Londonderry expressed concern that the ruling and new guidance have created uncertainty among United Kingdom Christians about lawful hospital ministry. He stated that preventing Bible access on hospital grounds would be unthinkable and called on the government to clarify that Christians retain freedom to practice faith in such settings.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson stated the force is not attempting to regulate religion or legitimate pastoral work. The department noted that freedom of conscience, religion, and expression must be balanced against legislative protections and the rights of others, and that guidance was issued to help officers apply the law consistently.

Ciarán Kelly, director of The Christian Institute, argued the law is being implemented in ways that jeopardize standard Christian hospital ministry. He cited the example of chaplains reading Psalm 23 with grieving parents or simply carrying a Bible through hospital corridors, suggesting these actions could invite criminal investigation if someone believed they might influence an unrelated abortion decision.

The case reflects broader scrutiny from the United States regarding buffer zone enforcement in the United Kingdom. A State Department spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital that the U.S. continues monitoring such cases across Europe, characterizing United Kingdom prosecution efforts as violations of fundamental free speech and religious liberty rights that undermine shared American-British values.