Germany: Federal court rules ban on prayer assembly outside abortion clinics is unconstitutional

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A top court in Germany has ruled that total bans on peaceful prayer vigils outside abortion clinics are a violation of the constitutional right of freedom of assembly, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

In its ruling last week, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig found in favor of the plaintiff in the case, the Pforzheim-based chapter of 40 Days for Life led by Pavica Vojnović, CP reports. 

A regional court had previously given the 40 Days group permission to hold a twice-yearly silent prayer vigil outside a local Pro Familia abortion clinic, but in 2019 the city of Pforzheim sought to prohibit the assembly from being held anywhere within sight of the facility, CP reports. The ban was issued even though there was a four-lane road separating the pro life activists from the Pro Familia building.

At the time of the city’s prohibition, Vojnović said in a statement: “I am shocked that we are being prevented from supporting vulnerable women and their unborn children in prayer. It’s discouraging to hear that silent prayer vigils in a public place are restricted by local authorities. Our society must offer better support to mothers in difficult situations.” 

Represented by lawyer Tomislav Cunovic, Vojnović’s lawyer, sued the city for breach of her human rights, CP reports. “Blanket bans on prayer assemblies based on mere allegations are contrary to fundamental rights. The courts have recognized this,” Cunovic said in a statement.

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