Latest news with #SafeAccessZones
STV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Woman, 74, first in Scotland arrested under abortion protest law faces no further action
A woman, who became the first person in Scotland to be arrested and charged under anti-abortion protest laws, is facing no further action. Police were called to respond to a group of protesters outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at around 2pm on Wednesday, February 19. A 74-year-old woman was arrested and charged in connection with a breach of the exclusion zone on Hardgate Road. Channel 4 A 74-year-old woman was arrested and charged in connection with breach of the exclusion zone on Hardgate Road It was the first arrest and charge in Scotland under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024. However, on Thursday, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed no further action is to be taken. A spokesperson said: 'The Procurator Fiscal received a report relating to a 75-year-old female and an incident said to have occurred on February 19, 2025. 'Professional prosecutors from COPFS considered the report. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence. 'After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence, it was decided that there should be no further action taken at this time. Getty Images US Vice President JD Vance. 'The Crown reserves the right to take proceedings in relation to this incident in the future.' The legislation creating protected zones of 200 metres around abortion services came into force in September 2024. The safe access zones, of buffer zones, stop anti-abortion protesters gathering, leafleting, holding vigils, or showing graphic images to people near the sites. The Scottish Government said the law is designed to safeguard public health and protect the right of women to access healthcare without obstruction. Those who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or an unlimited amount if they go to trial before a judge and jury in more serious cases. US Vice President JD Vance, who is holidaying in Scotland, has been critical of the law, accusing the Scottish Government of attacking free speech. Gillian Mackay, who introduced the law in the Scottish Parliament, criticised said what Vance said was 'total nonsense and dangerous scaremongering'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
Prosecutors drop first Scottish buffer zone case against anti-abortion protester
Charges against Rose Docherty have been dropped | PA Rose Docherty who was the first person arrested under new buffer zone legislation Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Prosecutors have dropped the case against a Scottish grandmother who was the first person arrested under new buffer zone legislation. Rose Docherty was arrested in February as she stood near to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital holding a sign reading "Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 75-year-old had allegedly breached the 200m buffer zone in place to protect women accessing reproductive healthcare including abortion. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act came into effect in September 2024, a month before the introduction of similar legislation in England and Wales. Protestors can be fined up to £10,000 for breaching the zones. Ms Docherty was accused of "influencing the decision of another person to access, provide or facilitate the provision of abortion services at the protected premises." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, in a letter seen by LBC, the Procurator Fiscal, Scotland's prosecuting body, told Ms Docherty that "on the basis of the current information available to me, I have decided to take no further action… at this time." The letter added that there is an "obligation on the prosecutor to keep cases under review", meaning there is the potential that charges could be reintroduced at a later date. In her first comments since the decision, she told the broadcaster: "This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation. "I stood with love and compassion, ready to listen to anyone who wanted to talk. "Criminalising kindness has no place in a free society." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Docherty has been supported by the ADF International group whose Legal Counsel Lorcán Price said: "Rose's case is a stark example of how 'buffer zone' laws can be weaponised to silence peaceful expression. "We are relieved that common sense has prevailed, but the fact that Rose was arrested and threatened with prosecution shows the urgent need to protect fundamental freedoms in Scotland." Lois McLatchie Miller, Scottish spokeswoman for ADF International, added that the organisation had been concerned about the 'slippery slope of censorship'. She said: 'Less than a year after the law coming into force, Gillian Mackay has admitted that it could impact silent prayer even in private homes, depending on who's passing by the window. And what's more, we've seen an innocent grandmother arrested just for offering conversation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Who are the authorities to determine which conversations, thoughts, or prayers members of the public do or don't want to have?' In a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, Vice President Vance claimed that the Scottish Government had sent letters warning people against praying inside their own homes if they were within buffer zone areas. Ministers responded denying that claim and stating that the new legislation had been "carefully drafted to capture only intentional or reckless behaviour close to a small number of premises providing abortion services". Speaking yesterday, the Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who drafted the law, stated: "JD Vance has made a career of spreading misinformation and sowing mistrust in order to gain power and influence. The Vice President's absurd lies haven't just been about eating cats and dogs in Ohio; he has lied about Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Earlier this year, JD Vance made false claims on an international stage about Scotland's buffer zones law, which prevents harassment and intimidation of patients outside abortion clinics, a bill proudly passed by the Scottish Greens. "Now, whilst his extremist government is attacking LGBTQ+ and women's rights, illegally arresting innocent civilians on the streets, arming Israel's genocide in Gaza and wrecking our climate, he thinks that he can peacefully run away from it all to enjoy a holiday in our country. "Let's set this clear: the toxic misinformation of JD Vance is a threat to democracy and freedom around the world." On the decision to drop Ms Docherty's case, a spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "The Procurator Fiscal received a report relating to a 75-year-old female and an incident said to have occurred on February 19, 2025. "Professional prosecutors from COPFS considered the report. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence. "After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence, it was decided that there should be no proceedings taken at this time.
Edinburgh Live
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh abortion clinic set for fresh round of harassment from US religious group
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh clinic is set to endure a fresh round of anti-abortion harassment from an American religious group despite new laws designed to prevent protests taking place near clinics. The Texas-based group, 40 Days for Life, announced online that it will hold a series of "prayer vigils" near Chalmers Clinic in September. The activity is expected to last for 40 days and will commence from September 24 with the last "vigil" to take place on November 2. The organisation, which claims to represent several hundred volunteers in Scotland, announced the campaign just months after The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) bill became law in Scotland, reports The Daily Record. Under this act, it is illegal for anybody to hold vigils or protests within 200m of any clinic that provides abortion services. Instructions on the 40 Days for Life website have advised members to gather on Chalmers Street - opposite the front door of the healthcare clinic in September - which would be well within the buffer zone. The Record contacted the branch in Edinburgh to ask the organisation if it was aware this gathering would be illegal. Mairi Lucas, who is the group's branch head for the capital, proceeded to claim the guidance on the site is "out of date". We then asked Ms Lucas to clarify that the new meeting point for members that outwith the 200m buffer zone, she refused to confirm. Speaking to our sister publication, Ms Lucas said: "I am not telling you this information." The instructions on the group's site continue to ask members to attend Chalmers Street. MSP Monica Lennon described the planned activity as "nothing short of premeditated intimidation". The Labour representative for Central Scotland said: 'This is nothing short of premeditated intimidation and harassment. Women should not have to pass anti-abortion campaigners on the way to medical appointments. 'Anti-abortion groups are entitled to their beliefs, but they are not above the law.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman added: 'Everyone deserves privacy and respect when attending healthcare appointments. These anti-choice protests outside of sexual health clinics and maternity hospitals do nothing but intimidate and distress patients, nurses and doctors. 'The patients and staff do not make decisions on legislation, that is done by politicians. I'd urge anyone who feels the need to protest against sexual health and abortion care, to do so outside the Scottish Parliament. 'For anyone who is affected by these anti-choice protests, I'd urge you to get in touch with the Scottish Greens or the Scottish Government, so that we can consider how to make these spaces even safer.' The group has been known to harass women outside healthcare facilities offering abortion services across Scotland in recent years. Repeatedly targeted clinics include those at the Edinburgh Chalmers Street Clinic, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Sandyford Clinic and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. 40 Days for life members have spent up to 12 hours a day standing outside holding rosary beads and clutching signs with wording such as 'We can help you' alongside graphic images of fetuses. Residents in Glasgow told members of the group to "get lost" after a similar "vigil" was held within view of out-patients at the QEUH in March. Melanie Long, who received medical care at the hospital's maternity unit after previously suffering a miscarriage, told the Record at the time: "The first thing I saw when I opened the curtains this morning were these protestors. I find it extremely distressing. I thought once the buffer zone law came into place we wouldn't have this issue anymore. "As someone who has had to access those services in the past, I find it absolutely disgusting that these people are out there judging women. They might say that they're trying to be peaceful but they know exactly what they're doing - it's distressing, harassment and it victimises vulnerable people. "If they want to push their cause, they should do it in parliament." Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced the Safe Access Zones Bill, has strongly urged the Scottish Government to consider expanding the size of buffer zones. Chapman said: 'Buffer zones around these clinics were introduced by my Green colleague Gillian Mackay's Safe Access Zone Act to protect patients and staff, and mostly they are successful in doing so. Unfortunately, many people still have no choice but to walk past groups gathering to protest or hold vigils on the cusp of the zones." 40 Days for Life was set up in 2004 by people protesting at an abortion facility in Texas. The organisation went on to expand its network through the southern states of America before infiltrating to new countries to become a world-wide group. Its division in Scotland is thought to be spearheaded by activist Rose Docherty, from Bishopbriggs. Rose previously told the Record that she was recruited by the group through the "pro-life grapevine". She said: "They found out about me through the pro-life grapevine. "They just wanted to know if there was anyone in Scotland and I said I'd be willing to do that and I'd be willing to come out." In February, a 74-year-old woman became the first person in Scotland to be arrested over an alleged breach of the legislation. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Officers will respond proportionately to reports of anyone breaching Safe Access Zone legislation by engaging with them, explaining the law and encouraging compliance before moving to enforcement if necessary.' The Record also approached NHS Lothian for comment.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Religious group set for fresh round of abortion clinic harassment - despite new buffer zone laws
Texas-based 40 Days for Life has announced a fresh wave of "prayer vigils" near an abortion clinic in Edinburgh. An American religious group is set to stage a fresh round of anti-abortion harassment in Edinburgh despite new laws to prevent protests taking place near clinics. Texas-based 40 Days for Life announced online it will hold a series of " prayer vigils" near the capital's Chalmers Clinic in September. The activity is expected to last for 40 days and will commence from September 24 with the last "vigil" to take place on November 2. The organisation, which claims to represent several hundred volunteers in Scotland, announced the campaign months after The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) bill became law in Scotland. Under the act, it is illegal for anybody to hold vigils or protests within 200m of any clinic providing abortion services. Instructions on the 40 Days for Life website have advised members to gather on Chalmers Street - opposite the front door of the healthcare clinic in September - which would be well within the buffer zone. The Record contacted the branch in Edinburgh to ask the organisation if it was aware this gathering would be illegal. Mairi Lucas, who is the group's branch head for Edinburgh, proceeded to claim the guidance on the site is "out of date". We then asked Ms Lucas to clarify that the new meeting point for members that outwith the 200m buffer zone, she refused to confirm. Ms Lucas told the Record: "I am not telling you this information." The instructions on the group's site continue to ask members to attend Chalmers Street. MSP Monica Lennon described the planned activity as "nothing short of premeditated intimidation". The Labour representative for Central Scotland said: 'This is nothing short of premeditated intimidation and harassment. Women should not have to pass anti-abortion campaigners on the way to medical appointments. ' Anti-abortion groups are entitled to their beliefs, but they are not above the law.' Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman added: 'Everyone deserves privacy and respect when attending healthcare appointments. These anti-choice protests outside of sexual health clinics and maternity hospitals do nothing but intimidate and distress patients, nurses and doctors. 'The patients and staff do not make decisions on legislation, that is done by politicians. I'd urge anyone who feels the need to protest against sexual health and abortion care, to do so outside the Scottish Parliament. 'For anyone who is affected by these anti-choice protests, I'd urge you to get in touch with the Scottish Greens or the Scottish Government, so that we can consider how to make these spaces even safer.' The group has been known to harass women outside healthcare facilities offering abortion services across Scotland in recent years. Repeatedly targeted clinics include those at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Sandyford Clinic, Edinburgh Chalmers Street Clinic and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. 40 Days for life members have spent up to 12 hours a day standing outside holding rosary beads and clutching signs with wording such as 'We can help you' alongside graphical images of fetuses. Residents in Glasgow told members of the group to " get lost" after a similar "vigil" was held within view of out-patients at the QEUH in March. Melanie Long, who received medical care at the hospital's maternity unit after previously suffering a miscarriage, told the Record at the time: "The first thing I saw when I opened the curtains this morning were these protestors. I find it extremely distressing. I thought once the buffer zone law came into place we wouldn't have this issue anymore. "As someone who has had to access those services in the past, I find it absolutely disgusting that these people are out there judging women. They might say that they're trying to be peaceful but they know exactly what they're doing - it's distressing, harassment and it victimises vulnerable people. "If they want to push their cause, they should do it in parliament." Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced the Safe Access Zones Bill, has strongly urged the Scottish Government to consider expanding the size of buffer zones. Chapman said: ' Buffer zones around these clinics were introduced by my Green colleague Gillian Mackay's Safe Access Zone Act to protect patients and staff, and mostly they are successful in doing so. Unfortunately, many people still have no choice but to walk past groups gathering to protest or hold vigils on the cusp of the zones." 40 Days for Life was set up in 2004 by people protesting at an abortion facility in Texas. The organisation went on to expand its network through the southern states of America before infiltrating to new countries to become a world-wide group. Its division in Scotland is thought to be spearheaded by activist Rose Docherty, from Bishopbriggs. Rose previously told the Record that she was recruited by the group through the "pro-life grapevine". She said: "They found out about me through the pro-life grapevine. "They just wanted to know if there was anyone in Scotland and I said I'd be willing to do that and I'd be willing to come out." In February, a 74-year-old woman became the first person in Scotland to be arrested over an alleged breach of the legislation.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Government must consider expanding hospital buffer zone, MSP says
The Scottish Government must consider expanding the size of the buffer zone around a hospital where anti-abortion demonstrations are banned, the MSP behind the legislation has said. Gillian Mackay said protesters have been gathering just outside the 200m exclusion zone around the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill came into effect in September and creates areas around medical facilities where terminations are performed, to stop anti-abortion protesters gathering. The legislation was introduced by Ms Mackay, a Green MSP, and is designed to protect women from harassment. It contains a provision to extend the size of the buffer zones if it is deemed proportionate. Ms Mackay said: 'Safe access zones were introduced to protect patients and staff at our hospitals, and, for the most part, that is what they are doing. 'But at QEUH we have seen protests continuing on one of the main entry routes to the hospital. 'The QEUH in Glasgow has quite unique challenges due to its location compared to other hospitals. 'From the correspondence that I and others have received, there are concerns about the patients and staff having no choice but to pass the protests.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act allows ministers to extend the size of a zone if it is considered necessary to protect those accessing or providing services from impacts prohibited under the Act. 'However, before taking such a step, it is essential that ministers are satisfied such an extension is appropriate. 'We take Ms Mackay's comments extremely seriously and will discuss the matter further with the relevant Health Board as an immediate next step.'
