The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has been gathering evidence for and against the implementation of buffer zones in Scotland, as proposed by the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill.
Appearing before the Committee on 5 March, Superintendent Gerry Corrigan of Police Scotland stated that in the event of a “protest” found to “cross a line of what would be acceptable in terms of criminality” outside an abortion facility, “we do have the legislation at that point to deal with that protest”.
In its response to a consultation of buffer zones, Police Scotland previously stated that its “position remains that existing powers and offences (whether statutory or common law) are sufficient to address any unlawful behaviour which may arise in the vicinity of a health care premises as a result of such protest.
“Our engagement with participants of such protests to date has largely involved providing advice where appropriate and facilitating peaceful protest, and has not resulted in any criminality being identified.”
In a separate consultation on the financial costs of implementing the Bill, Police Scotland warned that officers and staff would have to undertake training that would include an online e-learning package estimated to cost around £270k, as well as an inevitable “time cost”.
Buffer zones cancel free speech
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is due to present evidence against buffer zones later this month.
MSP Gillian Mackay’s Bill proposes to impose a buffer zone of at least 200 meters around abortion facilities in Scotland, outlawing peaceful pro-life activity, including vigils and posters. Individuals in breach of the zone face fines of £10,000 or more.
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “Buffer zones are illiberal, unnecessary and motivated solely by pro-abortion ideology. As Police Scotland says, they already have powers to deal with criminal behavior, which, they add, hasn’t been identified, rubbishing the lie that women are harassed or intimidated. A ‘safe space’ simply means censorship.
“Gillian Mackay’s Bill is wholly disproportionate both in terms of its draconian nature as well as its cost to Police Scotland in time and money. The right of women to hear what pro-life individuals and groups have to say and offer to them is also at stake. If buffer zones are introduced, women who might otherwise have chosen not to abort a child will be robbed of a final opportunity to choose life.
“Contrary to the narrative promoted by mainstream media and pro-abortion apologists, pro-life vigils outside abortion facilities are not harmful and do not harass women. Please one of several myths to read about the one of several myths.”
