Greens welcome First Minister support on buffer zones
The Scottish Greens have welcomed the First Minister’s comments on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban on protests outside abortion services in Northern Ireland.
In a judgement handed down yesterday, the Court unanimously supported the legality of the Bill, which was passed by the Northern Irish Assembly in March following its introduction by former Green MLA Clare Bailey.
The issue was raised today by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay at First Minister’s Questions (FMQs). Gillian has introduced her own Bill at Holyrood, which seeks to introduce a similar ban in Scotland.
In her comments the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, welcomed the Court’s decision and committed to working with Gillian to ensure that her Bill passes as quickly as possible.
Commenting after FMQs, Gillian said:
“Yesterday's judgement set a vital precedent for Scotland and for my Bill, which will ensure that nobody is intimidated or targeted by protesters when accessing abortion services.
“It is shocking that such laws are even necessary, and that so many people have had to suffer harassment. It’s time to end these appalling protests for good.
“That is why I am delighted to have the support of the First Minister and the Scottish Government, and look forward to ensuring that my Bill is passed as soon as possible.
“All around the world we are seeing disgraceful attacks on the right to choose. Abortion rights are human rights, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
“I hope that Scotland can soon follow the path that has been set by Northern Ireland and that other countries do the same.”