A HOLYROOD committee has pledged to “consider all views” as it prepares to scrutinise legislation that would outlaw protests outside abortion facilities.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay has brought forward a Members' Bill which, if passed by the Scottish Parliament, will create 200-metre buffer zones around clinics offering abortion services.
Those opposed to abortion could be fined if they stage a protest within the zone outside of such a facility – with unlimited fines for serious breaches.
The legislation, which is being supported by the Scottish Government, was brought forward in response to complaints from women who faced protests when attending the clinics.
Evangelical group 40 Days for Life has staged "prayer vigils" outside of abortion clinics across Scotland since 2016.
MSPs on Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will scrutinise the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, with convener Clare Haughey (below) saying they want to hear from both supporters and opponents of the legislation.
She said: “We recognise the strength of feeling about this bill. As a committee, we always aim to consider any bill or issue in a careful, balanced and thorough way.
“We are committed to ensuring we scrutinise this bill in detail so that we can hear and consider all views.
“The bill’s stated aim is to ensure that people can access abortion services without fear of, and free from, intimidation, harassment or public judgment.
“We want to hear views from individuals and organisations on whether they agree with the proposals within this bill and if they would welcome the changes it would bring about.”
In January 2016, 40 Days for Life picketed the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), in Glasgow, in the first demonstration of its kind outside of a Scottish clinic, but now the sight of pro-life campaigners holding prayer ‘“vigils” has become commonplace.
The group is holding another series of protests over 40 days expected to last until November 5.
We told how a majority of MSPs backed the final proposal for the legislation ahead of the Scottish Parliament's recess last summer.
The committee's call for views will close on December 20.
