Bill to ban protests at Scottish abortion centres published

Anti-abortion groups regularly stand outside the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow

A bill designed to stop protests outside Scotland's abortion clinics has been published at Holyrood.

Green MSP Gillian Mackay's bill would set up "buffer zones" around the facilities, preventing people from gathering nearby.

It is likely to have cross-party support and is being backed by the Scottish government.

Anti-abortion campaigners from the USA have said they will challenge any such law in the courts.

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The Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill aims to create 200m (656ft) "safe access" zones around facilities which carry out abortions and other health services.

The bill would also includes powers to allow health board to have the size of a zone extended. It would allow for an unlimited maximum fine for people who breach it.

Ms Mackay introduced draft proposals in May 2022, with a consultation process closing in August 2022.

It will now be scrutinised and debated by MSPs.

Scotland is the last UK nation to introduce such a bill and pro-choice campaigners recently called for MSPs to speed up the protest.

There has been an increase in groups gathering outside clinics in recent years.

Members of the 40 Days for Life group are a regular presence at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

The Texas-based 40 Days for Life group holds what it calls "vigils" twice a year, when for six weeks at a time its Scottish members stand outside clinics, praying and displaying often graphic placards.

Chief executive, Shawn Carney, previously told BBC Scotland News that the group's presence was a "victory for all in the west who seek to preserve free speech when that speech is both popular and unpopular."

Ms Mackay said Scotland's new buffer zones would offer the strongest protections in the UK.

She said: "There is no excuse for the harassment that far too many people have had to endure when accessing healthcare. These protests should not be happening, and, today, we are an important step closer to ending them for good.

"We have learnt from those who have worked to deliver buffer zones in other countries, particularly in Northern Ireland. The legal precedent that was set when the Supreme Court upheld their bill is one that we have taken a lot of confidence from.

"The bill I have lodged builds on these experiences, and I am confident that it will provide the best protections anywhere in the UK."