A representative for Police Scotland told the Holyrood committee that laws already exist to deal with any criminal behavior outside abortion facilities, adding that it has not detected any such crimes.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is gathering evidence for and against the implementation of buffer zones in Scotland, as proposed by the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill.
Appearing before the Committee on March 5, Superintendent Gerry Corrigan of Police Scotland said that in the event of a “protest” that was seen to “cross a line of what would be acceptable in terms of criminality” outside the facility abortion, “we have a law at that point to deal with that protest”.
In its response to a consultation on buffer zones, Police Scotland previously said its “position remains that existing powers and offenses (whether statutory or common law) are sufficient to deal with any unlawful behavior that may arise around a health care setting as a result of such a protest.
“Our engagement with participants of such protests to date has largely involved providing advice where appropriate and facilitating peaceful protests, and has not resulted in any criminality being detected.”
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In a separate consultation on the financial costs of implementing the Bill, Police Scotland warned that officers and staff would need to undertake training which would include an online e-learning package estimated to cost around £270k, as well as an unavoidable “time cost” .
Buffer zones cancel out free speech
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is given the current evidence against buffer zones later this month.
MPS Gillian Mackay’s Bill proposes to impose a buffer zone of at least 200 meters around abortion facilities in Scotland, banning peaceful pro-life activities, including vigils and posters. Individuals who breach the zone face fines of £10,000 or more.
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “Buffer zones are illiberal, unnecessary and driven only by pro-abortion ideology. As Police Scotland says, they now have powers to deal with criminal behaviour, which, they add, has yet to be detected, dispelling the lie that women are being harassed or intimidated. A ‘safe space’ simply means censorship.
“Gillian Mackay’s Bill is completely disproportionate both in terms of its draconian nature and the cost it will cost Police Scotland in time and money. Also at stake is women’s right to hear what pro-life individuals and groups have to say and offer them. If buffer zones are introduced, women who might have chosen not to abort a child will be robbed of a final chance to choose life.
“Contrary to the narrative promoted by the mainstream media and pro-abortion apologists, pro-life vigils outside abortion facilities are harmless and do not harass women. please press here to read about top five myths about pro-life vigils.”
LifeNews notes: Courtesy of SPUC. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is a leading pro-life organization in the United Kingdom.
