New buffer zones law protecting women at abortion clinics must be enforced
The new buffer zones law protecting women going into abortion clinics from harassment comes into force across Scotland today.
It is a landmark moment for reproductive rights and healthcare in our country. Protesters are now banned from gathering within 200m (655ft) of clinics where abortions are carried out. The legislation was desperately needed as there has been a growing trend of so-called “vigils” outside clinics, with activists filming patients and holding up graphic banners.
Campaigners such as Back Off Scotland, who have fought for the rights of women to access healthcare without harassment, deserve credit. Green MSP Gillian MacKay has put in the hard hours to steer the buffer zone legislation through Holyrood. After seeing the damage that the anti-abortion protests caused, she has helped protect those who are on the receiving end of intimidation.
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She has set a good example for backbench MSPs and the impact that they can have at Holyrood. It is alarming, however, that anti-abortion groups are still planning protests even after the law comes in. One US-inspired anti-abortion group plans to hold a vigil outside the Chalmers Clinic in Edinburgh this month. There is no reason for them to be close to any clinic where women are getting healthcare.
This harassment of women is disgraceful and has no place in a decent society. They know it is illegal and have been warned. Any group that continues to harass women should face the full force of the law.
Keir pain for Anas
Keir Starmer’s “pain” agenda is not going down well.
The Prime Minister promised change when he was elected in July. And 850,000 Scots gave him their vote to do just that. But since then, there has been too much doom and gloom. And he seems set to continue this today in his conference speech, talking about the continued “struggle” we all face.
Starmer needs to change the record fast and start delivering the change people voted for. They didn’t boot out the Tories to replace them with more of the same. In contrast Anas Sarwar was much more upbeat in his conference speech, saying “things can and will get better”.
Sarwar has his eyes on becoming FM after the Holyrood election in 2026. He must set out how our lives will be better under a Labour-run government at Holyrood – and we expect him to do that in the coming months. He better get a shift on, though, as it looks like he won’t get much help from his boss at No10.
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