FMQs: Greens buffer zones bill needed
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s comments at FMQs show the need for the members bill by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay to introduce buffer zones around healthcare settings to prevent intimidating protests.
This comes after a recent anti-abortion demonstration outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow sparked outrage and prompted a group of clinicians to write to the Women’s Health minister to back a ban.
The First Minister said protests should be targeted at Parliament, not women who are attending healthcare appointments.
Responding, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay said: “I welcome the First Minister’s comments but ultimately these protests are deliberately targeted at the women attending these clinics, which is why we need to act with legislation.
“My bill would see buffer zones introduced around healthcare setting to put a stop to this intimidating behaviour. Leaving implementation to local authorities could result in a postcode lottery, which is why a national approach is required.
“Clearly, my bill is the route by which we can implement buffer zones and I call on all sides of the chamber to support it.”