German pro-life prayer may take place in front of abortion centre

Pro-life activists in Germany are allowed to hold prayer sessions in front of a Pro-Familia counselling centre in Frankfurt am Main.

The Administrative Court of the city has declared restrictions of the city administration invalid, PRO reports.

The Christian movement "40 Days for Life" organises 40-day vigils twice a year. One of them is scheduled to take place from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday. The sessions consist of prayers and singing and take place every day during that period, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The city of Frankfurt am Main had prohibited them from holding these sessions in front of the counselling centre, Idea writes. Furthermore, the vigils were not allowed to take place during the opening hours of the counselling centre.

The city of Frankfurt argued that the vigils were a hindrance for women who visit the counselling centre. In response, the movement took the city to court. The judges ruled that pregnant women have no right to "protection against confrontation from other unwanted views" and declared that the restrictions were unlawful.

Lawyer Felix Böllmann says to Idea that the court's decision is "a positive sign for further cases in which the right to freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly is being fought for." Böllman works for the Christian human rights organisation ADF International. The organisation supports the movement "40 Days for Life."

It is not the first time a court has decided about the issue: a lawsuit with the same facts took place in December. At the time, the city too had to withdraw the restrictions.