Latest news with #SafeAccessZonesAct
The National
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
The dangers of imported American culture wars
The US anti-abortion movement is more emboldened than it has been in years, largely due to Trump removing nearly all protections for abortion providers. He has instructed federal prosecutors to limit enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (Face), which was introduced in response to violence against abortion clinics and staff, including the murder of doctors. In January, Trump also chose to pardon 23 anti-abortion activists who had been jailed for invading and blockading abortion clinics under the Face Act. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar urged to whip Scottish Labour MPs against welfare cuts The chilling events of the weekend should give us pause for thought here in Scotland. The hard-won Safe Access Zones Act, which keeps anti-abortion protesters 200 metres away from hospitals providing abortion services, came about in direct response to the importation of US-style clinic protests. Although many of the protesters were locals, they were recruited and organised by Texan anti-abortion organisation 40 Days for Life. I first witnessed the protests while living near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, and the unmistakably US overtones – the signs, the fanaticism – made my blood run cold. Abortion rights in Scotland are under attack with the help of US dollars. When anti-abortion activist Rose Docherty flouted the new buffer zone legislation, she was swiftly lionised by the Alliance Defending Freedom – an American legal advocacy group categorised as an extremist homophobic hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Centre. She was framed as a persecuted victim of state overreach, rather than someone deliberately undermining public health protections. An even more disturbing example came when JD Vance grossly misrepresented Scotland's buffer zone laws, which led to a surge in abuse directed at MSP Gillian Mackay. Mackay, who spearheaded the buffer zones bill, was called a 'baby killer', received emails suggesting her abusers knew her home address, and was even sent rape threats – all while she was pregnant. The recent events in America are existentially terrifying, threatening our sense of freedom, peace, and democracy. It would be a grave mistake to assume that such extremism cannot reach our shores. It already has. Attempts to undermine our laws and the will of our parliament are not theoretical – they are happening right now. Yet, watching so many Americans take to the streets in defence of the freedoms they cherish gives me hope. I have faith in them – and I have faith in us.
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Gillian Mackay launches bid to become co-leader of the Scottish Greens
Gillian Mackay says she has shown she has the ability to deliver on her campaigns. Sign up to our Politics newsletter 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... Gillian Mackay has officially launched her bid to replace Patrick Harvie as leader of the Scottish Greens. Last month Mr Harvie announced he would be resigning as co-leader of the party after 17 years in charge. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Since becoming an MSP for Central Scotland in 2021, Ms Mackay has pushed through legislation to ban anti-abortion protests outside healthcare critics and campaigned to get football matches free-to-air on the television. Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay introduced the Safe Access Zones Act. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire | Jane Barlow/Press Association She has also been a loud critic of the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, resulting in hundreds of job losses in the region she represents. Ms Mackay announced her intention to run outside the People's Palace in Glasgow on Friday. She said: 'Over the last four years, I've shown that I can deliver on many of the campaigns that I decide to take up and bring people together behind them, from safe access zones to rolling back the decision to cut school buses in North Lanarkshire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are loads of other examples as well and I hope that people can see that I can get things done and bring people together.' The Scottish Greens elect two co-leaders every two years, meaning those holding the top jobs have to fight to keep their positions every second year. Lorna Slater, who is co-leader of the party alongside Mr Harvie, is also due to run again for the leadership this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At least one co-leader must be a woman. However, the contest is open to all party members and the winner does not have to be an elected parliamentarian. Since Mr Harvie announced his resignation, there has been media speculation that Ms Mackay and ally Ross Greer MSP would run on a joint ticket to become the two party leaders. While candidates are allowed to stand as a duo, they are still voted on individually.
The Independent
20-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
US anti-abortion group planning series of protests outside Scottish hospital
A US anti-abortion group is planning a series of protests outside a hospital in Scotland despite a law banning such demonstrations. According to its website, 40 Days For Life will hold 'vigils' outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow from March 5 until April 13. A law passed last year by the Scottish Parliament outlawed anti-abortion activists from protesting within 200 metres of abortion clinics. On Wednesday, a 74-year-old woman became the first person to be arrested under the legislation. Hardgate Road, just outside the hospital, had been a frequent target for anti-abortion protesters before the Safe Access Zones Act was passed by MSPs. Despite Wednesday's arrest, the 40 Days For Life group still has the area marked as part of its global campaign to protest against abortion, which includes hundreds of locations around the world. The group, which began in Texas, describes itself as 'an internationally co-ordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses'. Police Scotland said it would respond 'proportionately' to any protests outside abortion clinics in Scotland. Superintendent Christopher Stewart said: 'Every incident is unique and officers will respond proportionately to reports of anyone breaching the legislation by engaging with them, explaining the law and encouraging compliance before moving to enforcement if necessary.' Gillian Mackay MSP, who brought forward the buffer zones legislation, warned the group against further demonstrations. 'I urge 40 Days and anyone else who is planning to protest in a safe access zone to think again, as they will be stopped and there will be consequences,' she said. 'The protests that have taken place outside Queen Elizabeth and other hospitals have been utterly shameful and have no place in a modern or progressive Scotland. That is why I introduced my Act, and why they are now illegal. 'These zones were introduced to stop the intimidation and obstruction of people accessing abortion services, including the shameful scenes of protest groups waving graphic banners and in some cases using megaphones and loudspeakers to abuse service users and staff. 'We know the awful impact that these protests have had. Some of the testimonies from women who have had to endure them have been heartbreaking. Why would anyone want to add to that hurt by spreading even more fear and anxiety?' The development comes days after US Vice-President JD Vance criticised Scotland's buffer zones. Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Donald Trump's deputy said: 'Just a few months ago the Scottish Government began distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so-called safe access zones, warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law. 'The Government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime. In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.' First Minister John Swinney dismissed his comments, saying: 'JD Vance is just wrong and that issue was extensively discussed during the passage of the Bill. On the letter issued to households, his claims were wrong about that letter as well, and no such point was put to residents whatsoever on private prayer.' Ms Mackay added: 'With JD Vance and his extreme supporters spreading toxic misinformation about Scotland, it is vital that we stand up for reproductive rights and against those who are working to undermine them. 'Abortion rights are human rights, and I know that the people of Scotland stand firmly against the anti-choice protests of US-backed campaign groups like 40 Days.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
US anti-abortion group planning series of protests outside Scottish hospital
A US anti-abortion group is planning a series of protests outside a hospital in Scotland despite a law banning such demonstrations. According to its website, 40 Days For Life will hold 'vigils' outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow from March 5 until April 13. A law passed last year by the Scottish Parliament outlawed anti-abortion activists from protesting within 200 metres of abortion clinics. On Wednesday, a 74-year-old woman became the first person to be arrested under the legislation. The protests that have taken place in Glasgow today have been utterly shameful. I am grateful to Police Scotland for acting quickly. Everybody deserves access to healthcare without harassment. That is why I introduced my Act, and why these disgraceful protests are now illegal. — Gillian Mackay MSP (@GillianMacMSP) February 19, 2025 Hardgate Road, just outside the hospital, had been a frequent target for anti-abortion protesters before the Safe Access Zones Act was passed by MSPs. Despite Wednesday's arrest, the 40 Days For Life group still has the area marked as part of its global campaign to protest against abortion, which includes hundreds of locations around the world. The group, which began in Texas, describes itself as 'an internationally co-ordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses'. Gillian Mackay MSP, who brought forward the buffer zones legislation, warned the group against further demonstrations. 'I urge 40 Days and anyone else who is planning to protest in a safe access zone to think again, as they will be stopped and there will be consequences,' she said. 'The protests that have taken place outside Queen Elizabeth and other hospitals have been utterly shameful and have no place in a modern or progressive Scotland. That is why I introduced my Act, and why they are now illegal. 'These zones were introduced to stop the intimidation and obstruction of people accessing abortion services, including the shameful scenes of protest groups waving graphic banners and in some cases using megaphones and loudspeakers to abuse service users and staff. 'We know the awful impact that these protests have had. Some of the testimonies from women who have had to endure them have been heartbreaking. Why would anyone want to add to that hurt by spreading even more fear and anxiety?' The development comes days after US Vice-President JD Vance criticised Scotland's buffer zones. Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Donald Trump's deputy said: 'Just a few months ago the Scottish Government began distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so-called safe access zones, warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law. 'The Government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime. In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.' First Minister John Swinney dismissed his comments, saying: 'JD Vance is just wrong and that issue was extensively discussed during the passage of the Bill. On the letter issued to households, his claims were wrong about that letter as well, and no such point was put to residents whatsoever on private prayer.' Ms Mackay added: 'With JD Vance and his extreme supporters spreading toxic misinformation about Scotland, it is vital that we stand up for reproductive rights and against those who are working to undermine them. 'Abortion rights are human rights, and I know that the people of Scotland stand firmly against the anti-choice protests of US-backed campaign groups like 40 Days.'
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
JD Vance abortion buffer zone comments 'dangerous'
The American vice-president JD Vance has been accused of "spreading misinformation" about buffer zones at abortion clinics in Scotland. In a speech at the the Munich Security Conference Vance claimed people who live within safe access zones had been sent letters by the Scottish government warning them about praying within their homes. The Safe Access Zones Act came into force last September and prevents protestors gathering within 200m (656ft) of clinics that perform abortions. A Scottish government spokesperson said no letters had been sent out, and only "intentional or reckless behaviour" was covered by the act. JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration US group to fight Scotland's abortion buffer zones Vance's blast at Europe ignores Ukraine and defence agenda Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who drew up the law, said Vance's claims were "nonsense" and added that private prayer at home had never been impacted. She said: "This is shocking and shameless misinformation from VP Vance, who is either very badly informed about what my Act has done or he is knowingly misrepresenting it. "He is one of the most powerful people in the world but he is peddling total nonsense and dangerous scaremongering." Vance's speech criticised Europe for not protecting free speech enough, saying that it was "in retreat". He cited the case of a man in Bournemouth who was convicted of breaching a safe zone after praying outside an abortion centre and refusing to move on. The vice-president then added: "I wish I could say that this was a fluke, a one-off, crazy example of a badly written law being enacted against a single person. "But no. This last October, just a few months ago, the Scottish government began distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so-called safe access zones, warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law." Vance then claimed the government had urged people to report people "guilty of thought crime". The Scottish government said Vance was "incorrect" with his comments, which were previously spread by Christian influencers on TikTok last year. A spokesperson said: "Private prayer at home is not prohibited within safe access zones and no letter has ever suggested it was. "Safe Access Zones are designed to safeguard a woman's right to access healthcare and protect their right to dignity and respect when they need it most. "People continue to have the right to protest and to free speech, however, no one has the right to harass women, or to try to influence without consent their decision to access healthcare, or to impede their access to it in any way. "The Act, passed overwhelmingly by Parliament, has been carefully drafted to capture only intentional or reckless behaviour close to a small number of premises providing abortion services. It does not – and has never been intended to – criminalise any particular action, including silent prayer." Vance, who was a venture capitalist before turning to politics, converted to Catholicism in 2019. In 2022 he called for a nationwide ban in America on abortion, suggesting that even in cases of rape or incest "two wrongs don't make a right". Last year he altered his view and said it was a matter for individual states to decide upon. He has previously been criticised for making claims without evidence, including repeatedly saying during the election campaign last year that migrants were eating pets in an Ohio town. There are access zones at 30 health facilities around Scotland, including at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh and Dundee's Ninewells Hospital. Within the buffer zones, it is a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services. The bill was brought in after a number of anti-abortion groups continually protested near abortion facilities, including American organisation 40 Days For Life.
