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£12.00In Glasgow, a 74-year-old woman has made history by being the first person to be arrested and charged under a recently implemented Scottish law that prohibits protests outside abortion clinics. The arrest took place near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, with the woman facing charges related to breaching an exclusion zone established by the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act. The woman was found holding a sign that read “coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want,” which was later removed by officers at the scene.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which came into effect last year, prohibits any protests or vigils within 200m (656ft) of 30 clinics providing abortion services in Scotland. The legislation aims to prevent any form of harassment or influence on patients and staff seeking access to these services. Despite the intention of the law, there have been opposing views expressed, with US Vice-President JD Vance recently making inaccurate claims about the Scottish government sending warning letters to individuals within safe access zones regarding praying within their homes.
In response to the misinformation spread by Vance, First Minister John Swinney affirmed that the claims were unfounded, emphasizing that the act only covers intentional or reckless behavior within the designated zones. Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who was instrumental in drafting the law, denounced Vance’s statements as “spreading misinformation.” Police Scotland received reports of a protest near the hospital and are conducting inquiries into the matter.
Mackay commended the swift action taken by Police Scotland, describing the protests outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as “utterly shameful.” She emphasized the importance of allowing individuals access to healthcare without facing intimidation or harassment. The law intends to create a safe environment for patients and staff entering the clinics, with penalties of up to £10,000 or more for those found in breach of the regulations within the buffer zones. Despite this, an anti-abortion group, 40 Days for Life, has advertised a vigil near the hospital, prompting calls for reconsideration and warning of consequences for those intending to protest in safe access zones
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
