Buffer zones to come into force from September 24th
Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has hailed the announcement that her Safe Access Zones Scotland Bill will come into force from September 24th.
The Act, which was passed in June with the support of 118 MSPs from across the Chamber, will create 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around abortion service providers to stop the intimidating anti-choice protests that have taken place across Scotland.
Ms Mackay said: “This is a pivotal moment for reproductive rights in Scotland. I am delighted that we have an implementation date and that change is coming.
“For far too long, women all over Scotland have been forced to endure gauntlets of protesters with graphic banners and sometimes even megaphones trying to stop them from accessing the healthcare they are entitled to. It is organised intimidation and harassment, and it is wrong.
“The protesters have heard the same testimony as I have and know all about the pain, distress and hurt that they are causing for patients and medical staff. Now, at last, we are only weeks away from stopping them for good.
“It has taken a lot of work from a lot of people to get to this point. I want to thank the Scottish Government and parliament staff for all of their support. I also want to thank the medical bodies and campaign groups who have done so much to support my Act and to keep it at the top of the public agenda, including BMA Scotland, Back off Scotland and the STUC Women’s Committee.
“Above all, I want to thank everyone who took the time to share what I know were difficult and traumatic experiences with me and who made this Act as strong and robust as it can be. It should never have happened, and I hope that nobody else will have to go through what they have.”
