SPUC has condemned the Humanist Society Scotland for pushing the Scottish Government to ban pro-lifers from offering help to women outside abortion clinics, calling the move a “vicious and intolerant attack on free speech for pro-lifers.”
Michael Robinson, SPUC Director of Communications said: “The Humanist Society Scotland allegedly seeks to build a future where ‘democratic and human rights are developed’. Yet its ongoing attempt to stamp out and silence the pro-life community by introducing buffer zones displays a gross disregard for the right to free speech and the right to assemble.”
Buffer zones, which ban pro-lifers from gathering to offer help to women outside abortion clinics, have been imposed in some places in England. Pro-lifers caught offering support to women within a specific distance of an abortion clinic in these areas could face a prison sentence.
The Humanist Society is now pressuring the Scottish Government to impose similar sanctions around abortion facilities in Scotland. SPUC says that this would not only “supress free speech” but it would also “block women from receiving the support and information that they are entitled to”.
NHS officials say there is no need for buffer zones
Michael Robinson said: “Last year Edinburgh City Council rejected the notion to impose buffer zones around abortion facilities in Edinburgh. NHS officials said that there was no need for buffer zones. The Scottish Humanist Society is out of touch with reality.”
In 2020, Edinburgh South East Locality Committee did not recommend using police powers to ban vigils. It quoted NHS officials from the facilities where vigils take place as saying that “as things currently stood there was no overwhelming evidence to suggest the actions were causing unnecessary distress and as such did not feel the necessity to enact any police measures.”
The report also noted that the “silent vigils” outside Edinburgh Royal Infirmary are “often not noticed”.
“Pro-life vigils can be a lifeline”
SPUC’s Michael Robinson said: “Pro-life vigils outside abortion clinics can be a lifeline for many vulnerable women who feel they have no other choice than abortion.
“In recent years there has been a surge in efforts to stamp out any pro-life voice or presence. This fresh attack from the Humanist Society on the right to gather peacefully demonstrates a deep intolerance towards pro-life people and shows that the abortion lobby is determined to keep pushing to ban pro-lifers from offering crucial last-minute help to women in need.
“Pro-life citizens have a right to gather peacefully and women have a right to receive the information they offer.”