AN MSP joined with protesters to demonstrate against buffer zone legislation outside the Scottish Parliament on the day the law was enforced.
A law came into force on Tuesday banning anti-abortion protesters from gathering within 200m of a clinic after MSPs overwhelmingly backed legislation earlier this year.
MSP John Mason, who was the only politician in the chamber who voted against the bill, stood with supporters of the anti-abortion group Society for the Protection of Unborn Children outside Holyrood.
He was pictured holding a placard saying "Crime: Praying about abortion", while others held up signs saying "Crime: Offering to help pregnant women" and "Crime: Influencing someone on abortion".
Mason – who was suspended from the SNP last month over comments on Israel – prolifically opposed the legislation repeatedly as it made its way through Parliament and is well known for his anti-abortion views.
Reacting to the protesters, Green MSP Gillian Mackay – who spearheaded the legislation – said they were "misrepresenting" the law she had fought for.
She told The National: "I disagree passionately with the protesters and the way that they are misrepresenting my Safe Access Zones Act, but I am glad that they have at least decided to picket our Parliament rather than doing it outside hospitals.
"I ask them to read the testimonies and consider how their protests have made people feel, and why we have had to pass this act in the first place.
"There is no excuse for the harassment and intimidation that they have helped to normalise over recent years."
The law prevents certain activities within a safe access zone including influencing someone’s decision to access, provide or facilitate an abortion, and preventing or impeding another person from accessing or providing the service.
Behaviours that could fall foul of the law include handing out leaflets, surrounding people as they try to go into a clinic, and silent vigils.
UPDATE 2: Police van has now left but one officer remains on the other side of the road. Spoke to a woman who describes herself as an observer who said officers just spoke to the two women, reminded them of new legislation, but no fine etc. We’re asking police to comment. https://t.co/2hY5NzqZPt
— Alan Zycinski (@AlanJZycinski) September 24, 2024
Police Scotland has confirmed the protesters were spoken to and told about the legislation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.20pm on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, we were made aware of a small group of protesters within the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.
“Officers attended, advice was given and the group left.”
Safe access zones are now in place at 30 health facilities across Scotland and a list can be found here.
