A senior Labour MSP has benefited from £6,000 in staffing costs from an anti-abortion group that defended protests outside clinics.
Chief Whip Rhoda Grant accepted an internship from Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) – who oppose abortion as part of their belief in “Christian” policy-making. Three years ago, Grant was criticised for accepting another internship from the group.
Last night, her decision to accept another contribution from the group was blasted by MSPs campaigning for buffer zones outside abortion clinics.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay said: “It is extremely disappointing that a Scottish Labour MSP is willing to associate herself with this anti-choice organisation.”
MSPs from across the political divide support abortion rights and moves to protect women from protests outside clinics. Mackay is committed to legislation creating buffer zones so women are not intimidated.
CARE has described protests targeting women outside abortion clinics as “vigils” that offer “emotional support” for women. The group also welcomed the decision by the US Supreme Court to scrap Roe v Wade, which protected abortion rights.
Grant, a Highlands and Islands MSP, declared the staffing support from CARE on her register of interest. The internship in her office ended last year, with the £6,000 tab being picked up by CARE. The MSP was criticised in 2018 for accepting a CARE intern over the charity’s hostile position on gay rights issues.
Mackay added: “Many of us in Scottish politics are working together to ensure that everyone has safe access to healthcare. I welcome the cross-party support I have received from colleagues. It is regrettable that others, including apparently some in the Scottish Labour Party, appear to be marching in tune with the extreme US right.”
Grant said: “I have taken interns from CARE and other organisations through the years, I have met and worked with many bright and able young people and it has been my pleasure to be a mentor to them.
“I am always sensitive about all my workers’ personal beliefs and would not expect them to work on issues where they had a differing view from me. However, they do not and have never tried to influence my view.
“My vote on gay marriage is on the record and I strongly support the urgent creation of buffer zones around reproductive clinics. That said, I regret that we even need to consider that step. I am equally disappointed with regard to the American Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade.”
A spokesperson for CARE said: “The Leadership Programme is a highly respected educational and work experience programme for young people interested in politics. It is distinct from CARE’s other campaigning work and interns are prohibited from lobbying on behalf of CARE whilst on placement.
“On the issue of buffer zones, we recognise that harassment of women is wrong and is rightly dealt with under existing legislation.
“We also affirm the right to free expression in democratic societies. There is some concern that the proposals before Holyrood could improperly impinge upon this liberty.”
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