Buffer Zones bill is lodged by Gillian Mackay MSP
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay has tonight lodged her Members’ Bill to introduce buffer zones outside medical centres and abortion service providers across Scotland.
This will end intimidation of patients and staff by anti choice groups.
The bill, which will be published by parliament tomorrow, has already received cross party support and is backed by the Scottish Government. Over 12,000 people took part in the consultation process, with polls showing overwhelming public support for the bill.
Ms Mackay said: “This is a milestone moment for my bill and for protecting reproductive rights in Scotland. We are a big step closer to delivering buffer zones and stopping the appalling harassment and abuse that we have seen from anti-choice protesters.
“Politics can often seem polarised and fractured, but this process has only been possible because of the cross party consensus that has been built.
“I will be able to share more details once the bill has been published in full, but I want to thank everyone who has got us to this point. The next steps in its delivery will now be outlined by the Scottish Parliament in due course.
“Particularly, I want to thank those who have trusted me with their very personal, painful and traumatic experiences. It is those testimonies that have shaped this bill.
“Nobody should ever have to face such intimidation when accessing healthcare, and this bill will end it for good.”
