MSP Gillian Mackay’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill has been approved at stage three, meaning that buffer zones will be imposed on Scots around all abortion facilities. SPUC has slammed the vote “disgraceful” and a “dark day” for Scotland.
Today, on 12 June, MSPs voted 118 to one to introduce buffer zones in Scotland, a move condemned by SPUC which campaigned against Mackay’s bill where all “common sense” amendments were ignored.
“Today marks a dark day in Scotland's history as MSPs have voted in favour of implementing buffer zones around abortion facilities”, said SPUC’s Executive Director, Michael Robinson.
“By voting in favour of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) bill, MSPs have trampled on at least four European Convention of Human Rights and have introduced thoughtcrime into Scottish society.
“Scotland has taken a colossal step backwards for civil liberties and has established itself as the most illiberal and anti-free speech nation in the Western world.
“Despite repeated warnings from campaign groups such as SPUC, senior police officers and legal experts, MSPs have today decided to press on with this ideologically driven bill – A bill that is highly likely to breach protected human rights and which would be challengeable in a court of law.
“SPUC will be exploring every option available to remove the law from the statute books, including judicial review and remains committed to upholding the freedoms that underpin our society.”
Democrat will of Scots ignored
The Scottish buffer zones law will impose an exclusion zone of 200m around abortion facilities in Scotland, criminalising all pro-life activity, which could include silent prayer.
Prior to today’s vote, 77% of respondents to a buffer zones consultation said they opposed the introduction of such a draconian law in Scotland.
In March, Police Scotland stated that laws already exist to deal with bad behavior at pro-life vigils, adding that no crime had ever been identified.
Research commissioned by the Scottish Government also found no instances of abuse from pro-life participants – their activity outside abortion facilities was found to be “consistent with the concept of an abortion vigil, rather than a protest”.
SPUC added: “Today’s vote is a vote against common Scots who have consistently voiced their opposition to illiberal buffer zones. MSPs have prioritised abortion ideology over the democratic will of Scottish people.”