Twice a year, around 20 people have gathered to pray for the women considering abortion and for the lives of their unborn children in the town of Pforzheim. The vigils took place for 40 days — silently and peacefully.
Now a German court has upheld a local municipality’s ban on holding a prayer vigil in front of an abortion center.
The Karlsruhe Administrative Court handed down the judgment on May 14, according to CNA Deutsch.
CBN News reported last week the pro-life advocacy group 40 Days for Life challenged the local authorities’ ban on conducting a silent prayer on a public sidewalk in front of the Pro Familia, a pre-abortion advisory center located in Pforzheim.
Attorneys for ADF International, a faith-based legal advocacy organization, went before the national court on May 12 to argue the group’s case after they were barred from gathering to peacefully pray near the center.
Pro Familia is a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, according to the CNA Daily News (CNA).
Reacting to the court’s decision, Pavica Vojnović, the leader of the prayer group, said: “Every life is precious and deserves protection. I am saddened that we are prevented from supporting vulnerable women and their unborn children in prayer.”
“It saddens me that the court has dismissed our lawsuit, thus indirectly approving the ban on our silent prayer vigils near the abortion counseling center,” she said.
Dr. Felix Böllmann, legal counsel for ADF International, who represented the 40 Days for Life group, told CNA: “We regret the court’s decision, which restricts freedom of expression, assembly, and religion.”
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SOURCE: Assist News Service, Michael Ireland
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