SW News: Germany's top court has ruled in favor of a pro-life group stating that silent prayer gatherings near abortion facilities cannot be prohibited. Leipzig-based Federal Administrative Court, in a June 20 ruling recognized the right of the 40 Days for Life group to assemble and peacefully pray near abortion centers.
The ruling declared that the city of Pforzheim violates the right to freedom of assembly of the prayer group led by Pavica Vojnović. With this, the court upheld a ruling by the Mannheim Administrative Court in 2022, which also ruled in favor of 40 Days for Life. Under the current judicial decision, the city cannot appeal further.
Pavica Vojnović said, "I'm truly relieved. Our prayers really help, as affected women have told us over and over. I am grateful that we can continue our prayer vigils. Every human life is precious and deserves protection."
Legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International supported the legal defense of Vojnović. The legal group claims that the Federal Administrative Court's ruling conflicts with the federal government's intentions to forbid prayer vigils next to abortion facilities. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus is set to introduce buffer zones around abortion centers.
Dr. Felix Böllmann, German lawyer and director of ADF International, welcomed the ruling. "The court in Leipzig has once again made clear that peaceful prayer vigils cannot be banned. In view of the clear findings of the court, the federal government would be well advised to abandon its plans to restrict fundamental rights in the vicinity of abortion organizations massively," he said.
The 40 Days for Life group met twice yearly to hold silent prayer vigils in front of a Pro Familia abortion facility, the German branch of Planned Parenthood. However, in 2019 the city of Pforzheim prohibited the group from praying in front of the institution, which led to the lawsuit.