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The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, designed to protect women from harassment, was passed in June.
Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing the legislation and those who break the law can be fined up to £10,000 under the summary court procedure or an unlimited fine under the serious procedure for more serious cases.
Jenni Minto, minister for public health and women’s health, said: “It is completely unacceptable for women to face any unwanted influence, distress or intimidation when accessing abortion services.
“With the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act coming into force this week I hope women will hear the Scottish Government’s clear message that we will protect their access to healthcare.
“I thank Gillian Mackay for her essential work in moving the Act forward and I am extremely grateful to all the women and staff and others who contributed to the process.”
“The Act is not an attempt to restrict freedom of speech or the right to religious expression, but to protect public health and protect women’s right to access health care without hindrance.
“Individuals who break the Safe Access Zone law can now face significant fines, with Police Scotland enforcing.”
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The legislation, which banned any protests or vigils in the buffer zones, was overwhelmingly supported by MLAs, with only one voting against it.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay’s Bill was backed by campaign group Back Off Scotland and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, and BPAS said it was “delighted” when it was passed.
The zones will be in effect in 30 health facilities across the country.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24600466.significant-fines-anyone-breaking-abortion-buffer-zone-laws/?ref=rss
