Andy Drozdziak
Scottish pro-life groups are protesting against the ‘immediate threat’ of Green MSP Gillian Mackay’s pledge to introduce legislation that would create buffer zones.
The situation has come to the fore since the Roe v Wade decision in the US. If Gillian Mackay’s proposed Bill became law, those who attempted to influence or persuade a person entering an abortion clinic or hospital could face a prison term for up to two years.
Soon after the landmark decision in the US was announced, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon convened an “abortion summit”.
“Its main and most immediate focus will be on mechanisms to establish effective buffer zones,” she said, adding that the Scottish Government will host a second summit on buffer zones in late August.
SPUC’s Alithea Williams explained the scale of the problem.
“Even before this great news from the US, a public consultation was launched on a bill proposed by Gillian MacKay MSP to bring in buffer zones around facilities that provide abortion in Scotland,” she said.
“Ms Mackay’s proposals would criminalise all pro-life activities in the vicinity of abortion facilities. If this Bill becomes law, anyone taking part in a pro-life vigil in Scotland would be subject to a six-month jail sentence for a first offence, and up to two years for subsequent breaches.”
Pro-life groups were calling on supporters to respond to a consultation on the Bill and show their opposition. The consultation ended on 11th August.
Nicola Sturgeon is especially calling on councils in Edinburgh and Glasgow to introduce buffer zones.
“Glasgow and Edinburgh, I would hope, would be round that table, to look at whether one or both of them might be prepared, with the right support and backing from the government, to use the byelaw powers that they have,” she said.
Pro-life group Right To Life UK point to a lack of evidence about harassment and intimidation outside abortion clinics.
“Wherever harassment or intimidation occurs it can and should be dealt with under existing laws,” spokesperson Catherine Robinson said.
“Once again, claims about harassment and intimidation are made, but not a shred of evidence is offered, other than that from campaigning groups that want to see ‘censorship zones’ introduced.”
She also warned against listening to politicians with a ‘pro-abortion ideology.’
“Unless or until hard evidence is offered, the public should view claims about harassment and intimidation outside abortion centres with extreme scepticism,” she said.
“Rather, there is a concerted effort by certain politicians with a strong pro-abortion ideology to censor any public opposition or alternative to abortion.”
An exact date has not yet been set for the late August summit. Pro-life groups will hope to be involved this time, after none were invited to take part in the summit in June.
Pro-life image- CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn
Gillian Mackay pic- PA Wire/PA Images Picture by: Katharine Hay