Council row over buffer zones plan
Bid to stop anti-abortion protests at clinics
Buffer zones to protect women considering abortions from protestors will be explored at health clinics in Renfrewshire.
The local authority will follow the example of Glasgow City Council, which made a similar decision at the end of June.
The motion - put forward by Councillor Lisa- Marie Hughes yesterday - says peaceful protest should not interfere with the fundamental right for women to make individual reproductive choices.
However, Councillor Eileen McCartin tabled a counter motion, expressing concern that buffer zones go against the country’s values of free speech and the right to peaceful protest.
The Lib-Dem elected member slammed the original motion as “wrong in many respects” and an attempt to get rid of protesters altogether.
She said: “I don’t know if many of you have witnessed these demonstrators. They stand at a respectful distance, they don’t speak to anyone, they don’t accost anyone.
“These women are not the real targets of their protests. It’s the abortion industry. These people have an inalienable right to protest, at least for now.”
Independent Councillor Andy Doig supported Councillor McCartin’s counter motion, warning his peers not to “allow this salami slicing of human rights”.
The comments sparked emotive debate within the chamber, as Labour and SNP councillors voiced their support for Councillor Hughes’ motion.
Councillor Alison Dowling said buffer zones were a topic of conversation because “women have reported that they feel a high level of intimidation” going in and out of clinics.
She added: “All that motion is asking is that women accessing these services have the right to their dignity.
“Can we just deal with the actual issue on the motion?
“Just give these women a break and give then a bit of space and dignity.”
Councillor Emma Rodden said she was “incredulous” at the views being aired in the counter motion.
She said: “We are not talking about political protest, nuclear protest or trade unions. We are talking about the basic right for every woman to make a decision about their reproductive health.
“For someone who has agonised over one of the most difficult decisions of their life, knowing someone is there silently judging them it makes all the difference to their mental health.
“You don’t see people protesting outside dentists, so why on earth are they protesting outside health clinics?”
In her summing up, Councillor Hughes reminded elected members the motion was not imposing buffer zones now but advocating they are considered by the health board.
The motion was passed by 31 votes to seven, with two abstentions.