Scotland’s Lord Advocate has claimed silent prayer outside abortion clinics may be ‘psychologically damaging’ to women, it has emerged. Dorothy Bain KC made the astonishing remarks, likening prayer vigils outside clinics to abusive behaviour, during an ongoing case heard by the UK Supreme Court in July. The case centres on whether criminalising pro-life supporters who peacefully protest outside clinics in Northern Ireland is “proportionate interference” or Stormont overreach. She said “it may very well be” that “silent prayer, almost standing in judgement, is far more damaging to the young woman than hurling names and abuse at her”. Sturgeon said “we live in a democracy and people are free to have different views on abortion”, but added that women should not be able to be informed of these views near abortion clinics.

Source: The Times September 30, 2022 00:06 UTC