In a recent incident in Birmingham, England, a pro-life activist and landscape gardener, Sebastian Vaughan-Spruce, has been fined over suspicion of his silent thoughts in violation of the local "buffer zone" regulations. The incident came to light through a video and press release provided to Fox News Digital by March for Life UK.

Vaughan-Spruce, who was standing on a public street near an abortion facility in Kings Norton, Birmingham, carried no sign and remained completely silent until approached by officers. When questioned by the police if he was "praying for the lives of unborn children," Vaughan-Spruce clarified that he was not praying silently in his head.

Despite Vaughan-Spruce's explanation, officers asked him to move elsewhere and issued him a fixed penalty notice for being present in the so-called "buffer zone." The "buffer zones" are part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) implemented by Birmingham authorities, which criminalizes individuals perceived to be expressing approval or disapproval related to abortion through various means, including verbal, written, prayer, or counseling.

March for Life UK, which released the video and press release, claims that the decision to fine Vaughan-Spruce contradicts recent draft guidance by the government's Home Office. The draft guidance emphasizes that the presence of an individual in a public space is not an offense and that national "buffer zones" should not prohibit silent prayer or consensual conversations about abortion within the zone. The draft guidance also stresses that police should not target individuals based on their pro-life views.

Vaughan-Spruce expressed his dismay at being interrogated and fined for being pro-life and standing on a public street. He called it "abhorrently wrong" and stated, "Others were present there at the same time, yet I was singled out because of the beliefs I happen to hold."

The incident involving Vaughan-Spruce raises concerns about the misuse of the Public Spaces Protection Order to punish individuals for expressing their views. Critics argue that the regulations are being misused to suppress free speech and penalize individuals for "wrongthink."

Members of Parliament have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the infringement on free speech and the chilling effect of buffer zones. They point out the discrepancy between the crackdown on pro-life activities and the wider scope given to protesters with different ideological issues.

In a separate development, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, the director of UK March for Life and sister of Sebastian Vaughan-Spruce, endured a six-month investigation by the police but was not charged. She had been standing on a public street near an abortion facility included in the PSPO and had informed the police that she "might" be praying silently.

This incident adds to the growing number of individuals in the UK who have been fined for standing or praying near abortion clinics, sparking a debate about the balance between protecting free speech and maintaining a safe and harassment-free environment.

As the discussion around "buffer zone" regulations continues, it remains to be seen how authorities and lawmakers will address the concerns raised by pro-life activists and their supporters regarding the right to express their beliefs in public spaces.