At the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized European policies on free speech, specifically highlighting restrictions on private prayer in homes. He claimed that in October 2024, the Scottish government sent letters to residents near "safe access zones" around abortion clinics, warning that praying privately in their homes could violate the law. Vance framed this as part of a broader erosion of free speech and democratic values in Europe, accusing governments of criminalizing personal expression and encouraging surveillance of neighbors for "thoughtcrime."

The Scottish government, including First Minister John Swinney and MSP Gillian Mackay, denied sending letters banning private prayer. The legislation notes, “However, activities in a private place (such as a house) within the area between the protected premises and the boundary of a Zone could be an offence if they can be seen or heard within the Zone and are done intentionally or recklessly.” This suggests that private prayer could potentially be restricted if visible or audible within the zone and deemed intentional or reckless.

This situation echoes the biblical account of Daniel, who faced persecution for praying privately in his home despite a decree banning worship, highlighting concerns about restrictions on personal religious expression.

Daniel 6:10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.