SPUC has launched a public petition to help defeat a fresh attack aimed at banning peaceful pro-life vigils.

SPUC’s petition is calling upon the Home Secretary / Scottish Justice Secretary to uphold the right of peaceful, law-abiding pro-life citizens to save the lives of unborn children and to offer help to pregnant women directly outside abortion clinics.

Two MPs are currently bringing forward bills to introduce buffer zones around abortion facilities to ban peaceful pro-life vigils.

On 24 June 2020,  a huge majority (213 - 47) of MPs voted in favour of Dr Rupa Huq MP’s Ten-Minute Rule Bill “to restrict demonstrations in the vicinity of abortion clinics”. This Bill comes up for second reading in the House of Commons on 25 September.

 Sarah Olney MP is also introducing a similar bill on 30 October.

“This is the time to make our voices heard”

SPUC’s Michael Robinson said: “Not only can pro-life vigils outside abortion clinics save unborn lives, but they area lifeline for 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 threat to 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. This is the time to make our voices heard.

“Pro-life citizens have a right to gather peacefully and women have a right to receive the information they offer.”

SPUC is calling on all of those who support free speech and democratic values to sign the petition against buffer zones.

Mr Robinson added that “Buffer zones outside abortion clinics would set an extremely dangerous precedent for freedom of speech in the UK.”

You can sign and support SPUC’s petition against buffer zones here.