An SNP MSP disciplined over his criticism of abortion buffer zones has said the independence cause will be harmed if “pro-life” politicians like him are silenced.
John Mason made the claim after receiving a written warning by party bosses who believed he had caused women “great distress” for his repeated statements on abortion.
He also doubled down on claims some women had been “coerced” into having a termination, adding that his anti-abortion view stemmed from “science”.
But Back Off Scotland, which supports buffer zones around hospitals, blasted the MSP’s views on abortion: “John is obviously entitled to his own views on abortion, but he cannot use his platform as a parliamentarian to spread harmful narratives about abortion access in Scotland.
“Whilst we’re glad the SNP have taken action on this, John has continued to spread misinformation and cause distress since this [discipline] letter was sent in June which is unacceptable.”
As revealed by the Daily Record, SNP whips at Holyrood took action against Mason for comments on abortion rights and safe access zones for women outside clinics and hospitals.
The SNP/Green Government believes zones are necessary to protect women from harassment, but Mason referred to a protest he attended as a “vigil”.
He also claimed to have heard from patients who had suffered "very bad experiences" at clinics after they "effectively found themselves on a conveyor belt"
He was told in June from SNP whips at Holyrood that his conduct had been “extremely disappointing” as it had brought the party group into “disrepute.”
'Has the SNP position changed?'
Mason’s full written response to the sanction on July 4th, obtained by the Record, shows him challenging the decision: “Traditionally the SNP has allowed freedom of conscience and a free vote on issues like abortion and assisted dying. I myself have spoken out on abortion at varying times and have always tried to be open about my views.
“I have been elected 8 times in Glasgow with these views and most noticeably in the 2008 Westminster by-election when my views (on both abortion and embryology) received widespread media coverage.
“Even our campaign team at that time accepted that my pro-life position was helping our campaign, although we all agreed I should not overly focus on that. Has the SNP position changed since then?
“I fully accept that a majority of the public, the Party members, and our MSPs would take a pro-choice position. But is it not to the advantage of the SNP and the wider Yes movement that we include both pro-choice and pro-life MSPs in our Group? In that way we are more likely to keep pro-life members and voters on board.”
He added: “I have had several messages from SNP members thanking me for speaking out as I have done. Is there not a risk that we lose SNP and independence voters if we are to exclude all pro-life voices in Parliament?”
He also claimed: “I accept that for many people who have decided on an abortion, they are content with the service provided.
“However, for at least some women who perhaps were being coerced or who had not fully made up their minds, they consider that they have had a bad experience.”
Mason continued: “On the question of faith, I would actually say it is more the science which persuades me to oppose abortion rather than my faith. The key question seems clearly to be whether life begins at birth or at conception.
“It seems to me that there are strong medical and scientific arguments that life begins at conception rather than at 24 weeks, at birth, or at some other point.”
The whips' letter was also leaked to the Record and stated: “We would like to make it clear that we absolutely respect your right to hold your views on abortion and your right to freedom of speech and expression.
“We do not, however, believe that you have the right to impose these views on others.”
“The verbalisation of your views has caused great distress and trauma to many women and have also been regarded as misinformation by medical professionals.
“As you know, the First Minister has committed to exploring all possible options to ensure safe access zones for women and girls accessing healthcare.”
They added: “We are dismayed that you have chosen to express your views in the media without approaching the group first to express the concerns you may have.”
“We consider this breach a serious one and are issuing you with a formal written warning.”
Mason declined to comment.
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