A woman is going to court for allegedly violating an abortion clinic buffer zone by protesting with a sign.
She held a sign near a clinic. It read, “here to talk, if you want to.” This happened on Ophir Road. Authorities issued the notice because of this action.
A clinic buffer zone started in October 2022. It bans protests both for and against abortion. It also bans harassment and vigils. Officials told her she broke this rule.
Livia didn’t pay the ticket. She claims she can ‘offer consensual conversations’. Livia said she helps women consider abortion alternatives. She points them to support options.
Livia states offering help is okay. Consensual talks are normal between adults. She feels wrongly treated like a criminal. Her lawyer calls the rules vaguely written.
Her lawyer says volunteers face criminal charges. This is for simple conversations. Others face court for silent prayer. Free speech must be defended, he argues.
The lawyer thinks it is wrong use police resources this way. Real crime is a growing concern, he stated. He believes no free society should punish free speech, especially for harmless talks.
Adam Smith-Connor, 51, lives in Southampton. He will appeal after a similar conviction. He broke the same buffer zone rule. His punishment was a conditional discharge. He also must pay £9,000 in costs.