A Lanarkshire MSP has hailed the UK Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on protests outside medical facilities providing abortion services in Northern Ireland as “a truly historic day”.
Central Scotland list MSP Gillian Mackay, of the Scottish Greens, said it set a vital precedent for her own Bill at Holyrood, which seeks to introduce a similar ban in Scotland.
In a judgement handed down this morning, the Court unanimously supported the legality of the Bill, which was passed by the Northern Irish Assembly in March following its introduction by former Green MLA Clare Bailey.
It was referred to the Supreme Court following a challenge by anti-choice campaigners.
Speaking after the verdict to Lanarkshire Live, Ms Mackay said: “This is a very welcome decision, and a truly historic day for reproductive rights. It will provide vital and much needed protections.
“Abortion rights are healthcare, and this sets a crucial precedent for the introduction of my Bill to introduce buffer zones in Scotland.
“The 12,000 responses that I received for my consultation show the strength of feeling. All over the world, anti-choice activists are trying to crackdown on abortion rights. We can’t stand still, and must always be looking to entrench and expand those rights.
“Nobody should be obstructed or harassed when accessing healthcare, yet, all across Scotland, people are being forced to endure a gauntlet of graphic images and abuse when accessing abortion services.
“This is totally wrong and I look forward to the day when my Bill will end such shameful scenes for good.”
Northern Ireland is the first part of the UK to bring such legislation into place.
Attorney General Dame Brenda King referred the bill to the UK’s highest court, asking judges there to determine whether part of the bill disproportionately interfered with the rights of people protesting against abortion.
It was the first time a piece of Northern Ireland legislation had been referred to the Supreme Court in this way.
The legislation can now go on to become law, but it is not clear how long it will take to implement.
The bill would make it an offence to protest against abortion within the zones, directly argue or harass people who may be attending the clinics or to obstruct access to the premises in question.
Supreme Court President Lord Reed said judges had unanimously agreed that the legislation was within the assembly’s competence.
He said the bill had a “legitimate aim” and while it restricted the exercise of protesters’ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, the restrictions could be justified.
“It seeks to ensure women have access to advice and treatment relating to lawful termination of pregnancy under conditions which respect their privacy and dignity, and are not driven instead to less safe alternatives,” said Lord Reed.
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