Stephen Green

Christian preacher Stephen Green faces prosecution for holding a sign with a Bible verse in an abortion clinic ‘buffer zone’

In February 2023, Stephen Green held a sign outside an MSI Reproductive Choices clinic in West London.

The sign said: “Psalm 139:13 For thou has possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.”

Mr Green was prosecuted by Ealing Council under section 67 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. If found guilty, Green could be sent to prison for six months and/or fined £1,000.

Ahead of the hearing, Mr Green commented: ‘‘I was deeply shocked to receive the summons from Ealing Council.

“I see this prosecution as an attack on the Bible and free speech. I am determined to defend myself and fight for justice.

“People are right to be concerned about the buffer zone legislation. To bar Christian witness and to control what people can say in an area is draconian and anti-Christian.

“There is a huge principle at stake here. If we are not free to hold a sign with a verse from Psalm 139 on it in a London street, then none of us is free.’’