'Dark day' for Scotland as MSPs vote for abortion clinic buffer zones

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

A Bill to ban peaceful pro-life vigils, including prayer and offers of help, outside abortion clinics was passed overwhelmingly by Scottish parliamentarians on Wednesday evening.

Gillian Mackay's Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill was passed by 118 votes to 1 at Holyrood.

Once implemented, anyone taking part in a pro-life vigil within a buffer zone outside a Scottish hospital or abortion facility would face fines of up to £10,000.

The ban would exclude even praying silently within the designated zones. 

"Today's vote means never again should a woman have to be stripped of her dignity, privacy or emotion in opting to have an abortion. It enshrines her right to do so, and to do so without fear or intimidation," said Mackay.

"A woman's right to decide what happens to her body is no-one else's business but her own and that is the message being sent loud and clear across Scotland tonight."

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said the ban would infringe on civil liberties and stop vulnerable women from being able to receive help outside clinics. 

SPUC General Secretary Michael Robinson called the legislation "deeply flawed" and said it "seeks to police areas of our private lives, which the state has no right to interfere with, namely private thought and prayer".

"By voting in favour of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) bill, MSPs have trampled on at least four European Convention of Human Rights and have introduced thoughtcrime into Scottish society," he said.

"Scotland has taken a colossal step backwards for civil liberties and has established itself as the most illiberal and anti-free speech nation in the Western world.

"This is indeed a dark day in Scotland's history."

SPUC said it is considering a judicial review into the legislation. It is urging people to vote for pro-life candidates in the forthcoming general election. 

"This devasting situation in Scotland proves just how vital it is to value your vote, and elect pro-life representatives,"  said Robinson.

News
President Trump's Arctic love affair
President Trump's Arctic love affair

Surely an ally should not be presented with a take it or leave it poke in the eye?

Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year
Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year

The third national Cathedrals Cycle Relay (CCR) is set to launch on 24 May 2025 from Bradford Cathedral, coinciding with Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture.

Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes
Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes

Harvest pastor Greg Laurie has criticised Disney’s live-action remake of ‘Snow White’ for stripping away what he sees as its original gospel-centred message. 

US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution
US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution

The US state department has issued a statement saying it is "concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom" and that it is "monitoring" the case of a pro-life woman prosecuted for holding a sign offering help within an abortion clinic "buffer zone".