Scottish Parliament Committee Backs Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Law to Protect Women from Intimidation
A Scottish parliamentary committee has endorsed a proposed law to establish a buffer zone of 200m around abortion clinics to prevent protests and intimidation of women.
The bill, introduced by Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay, follows reports of protests by the 40 Days for Life pro-life group outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
Mackay described the protests as "targeted intimidation," and the committee agreed to the bill's general principles.
A Scottish bill proposes fining pro-life campaigners for encroaching on a 200m zone around healthcare facilities, with unlimited fines for serious breaches.
The bill's supporters argue it's necessary to ensure women can safely access healthcare, considering the conflicting human rights arguments.
Scotland's Health Secretary Neil Gray advocates for the law due to "unacceptable" protests from anti-abortion groups.
Opponents claim the bill infringes on their freedom to express views in public spaces.
MSPs raised concerns about a proposed 200m safe access zone in a bill, arguing that the recommended 150m by experts would be sufficient.
An exception could be made for the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital due to its layout.
The committee also heard worries that it might be challenging for police to distinguish between those praying silently and those breaching the law.
Mackay described the protests as "targeted intimidation," and the committee agreed to the bill's general principles.
A Scottish bill proposes fining pro-life campaigners for encroaching on a 200m zone around healthcare facilities, with unlimited fines for serious breaches.
The bill's supporters argue it's necessary to ensure women can safely access healthcare, considering the conflicting human rights arguments.
Scotland's Health Secretary Neil Gray advocates for the law due to "unacceptable" protests from anti-abortion groups.
Opponents claim the bill infringes on their freedom to express views in public spaces.
MSPs raised concerns about a proposed 200m safe access zone in a bill, arguing that the recommended 150m by experts would be sufficient.
An exception could be made for the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital due to its layout.
The committee also heard worries that it might be challenging for police to distinguish between those praying silently and those breaching the law.
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