The Trump administration has warned the UK Government that it is closely “monitoring” [1] the case of a pro-life campaigner who is being prosecuted for carrying out a peaceful protest near an abortion clinic.
The 64-year-old was charged with infringing a public spaces protection order after holding her sign reading “here to talk” near an abortion facility in Bournemouth, which breached a designated buffer zone. A similar law exists in Ireland.
The US State Department took the unusual step of issuing a statement expressing concern about her treatment.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labour (DRL) said, “US-UK relations share a mutual respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
“However, as Vice-President Vance has said, we are concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom.
“While recently in the UK, DRL senior adviser Sam Samson met with Livia Tossici-Bolt, who faces criminal charges for offering conversation within a legally prohibited ‘buffer zone’ at an abortion clinic.
“We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.”