Buffer zone bill MSP urges protesters to note impact

The MSP behind plans to create buffer zones outside abortion clinics has urged protesters to consider the impact they have on women seeking to access the services.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill has been under consideration at Holyrood's health, social care and sport committee in recent weeks,takingevidencefrom those generally in favour of the legislation.

Those against the bill, including religious groups, will appear before the committee today.

Green MSP Gillian Mackay said women seeking an abortion or other healthcare at such clinics “feel judged, intimidated and harassed” by vigils taking place outside.

“Nobody should have to go through that to access healthcare,” she said.

“I urge all of the protesters to consider their own roles and the awful impact of their words and their banners.

“They can protest outside our parliament by all means, but to knowingly target people who are often in a vulnerable place is utterly wrong, and I am determined that my bill will put a stop to it.”

But in a submission to the bill's consultation, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland –whosevice-presidentbishop John Keenan will appear before the committee today – said the proposals were “extreme” and “patronising to women”.

“The right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association will be seriously impacted by the proposals, as the bill will criminalise people for expressing certain views andoccupyingcertainspaces,” it said.

“The bill also takes the extraordinary step of criminalising prayer contrary to the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and will disproportionately affect people of faith.”