The case against buffer zones

We’re excited to launch a new series of legal seminars focusing on assisted suicide, freedom of speech and transparency.

Join us on Monday 30 June as we delve for our final seminar before the summer break on the case against buffer zones.

Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre has been challenging so-called ‘buffer zones’ since their introduction by certain local councils from 2014. We assisted Christian Hacking who was arrested for peacefully praying outside an abortion clinic. Christian Hacking will be at this event.

We also challenged the Bournemouth buffer zone on the grounds that it is a breach of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We also assisted Stephen Green who was arrested and convicted of breaching buffer zone regulations for holding a sign displaying a Bible verse.

Martin Parsons acted has an expert witness in some of these cases. He wrote a detailed expert witness report on buffer zones, which explains their history, legality, and breaches of human rights in the areas of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion or belief.

His report runs to over 100 pages and also articulates evidence of women changing their minds as a result of the presence of pro-life supporters.

Martin Parsons will be speaking about the case against buffer zones from a legal and moral perspective. He will be joined by Michael Phillips who has acted as legal counsel in our buffer zone cases.

Tickets cost only £10 and include drinks and nibbles.

While these events are primarily aimed at legal professionals, they are open to all.

You can get your ticket to this seminar by clicking this link.

Speakers

Martin Parsons (Independent Consultant and Expert Witness)

Dr Martin Parsons is an independent consultant on Christianity and Freedom of Religion or Belief, in which capacity he has produced this report. He has a PhD in Christian and Islamic Theology and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He is the author of two major books, one on Christian and Islamic theology and one on Christian public theology. He has previously an overseas aid worker in Pakistan and Afghanistan including the period when the Taliban were first in power. He has also held senior leadership roles in education in both the UK and overseas, as well as working in higher education. He has been instructed as an expert witness in more than 40 court cases involving Christianity and freedom of religion or belief and has been elected as a practising member of the Academy of Experts (MAE). He is founder and CEO of the Lindisfarne Centre for the Study of Christian Persecution and has been quoted on freedom of religion in major print and broadcast media including the Times, Sunday Times, Sunday Express and BBC.

Michael Phillips (Legal Counsel, Christian Legal Centre)

Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2004, obtaining Higher Rights of Audience in 2006. He has successfully appeared before the High Court and Court of Appeal. He is passionate about defending Christian freedoms, successfully representing all Christian Legal Centre’s street preacher clients since 2008. He has witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of pornography through his secular practice. Michael believes in the transforming power of the gospel, seeing several of his clients join his church.

Other seminars

End of Life Bill: Legal View Through a Christian Lens (31 March 2025)

Freeing our speech: The Kristie Higgs case (6 May 2025)

Shining a Light: Transparency in the Courts (19 May 2025)