A new bill from Germany’s left-wing Government proposes vaguely defined exclusion zones, banning behaviour that could be perceived as “confusing” or “disturbing” within 100 Meters of medical clinics providing abortion.

The bill has been criticised due to its vague wording and disputed necessity. In response to a parliamentary question on how, when, and where problematic incidents of hindrance or harassment near abortion facilities occurred, the responsible Ministry recently admitted: “The federal government does not have any concrete numerical findings” that would support the need for such a far-reaching bill.

Whereas harassment is already illegal, free speech advocates warn that the language of the bill could criminalise a simple offer of help made to women in crisis pregnancies, as well as prayer.

“The right to peacefully pray is protected by international and national law. No matter one’s opinion on abortion, everyone suffers when we start to censor the right to speak freely, pray, or engage in consensual conversations,” said Dr. Felix Böllmann, German lawyer and Director of European Advocacy for ADF International.