Pro-life protests have been banned near to abortion centres in Scotland, after MSPs voted in favour of a new criminal law.
The legislation prevents any protests or vigils taking place within 200m (656ft) of 30 clinics offering abortion services.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, external, tabled by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, passed by 118 votes to one.
Pro-lifers had said the bill could infringe on freedom of religion and wanted exclusions for silent prayer. A spokeswoman for Care for Scotland said, ‘The police are already empowered to deal with any incidents of abuse or harassment under existing, well-balanced laws.
‘Police data shows that pro-life activities do not involve the “harassment” some campaigners claim is taking place. Some have wrongly sought to other and problematise peaceful pro-life people who offer support to women.’
The spokeswoman added, ‘We regret that this legislation has seen political attention diverted away from other serious issues relating to abortion,’ including ‘discrimination against preborn babies with disabilities.’
