Date named for abortion buffer zone law protecting women to come into effect

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new law protecting women from harassment outside abortion clinics will come into force later this monthThe commencement date for the legislation is September 24th.The safe access law prevents any protests or vigils taking place within 200m of thirty clinics offering abortion services.Green MSP Gillian Mackay introduced the bill to Holyrood amid growing concern over the activities of anti-abortion protestors outside hospitals.It passed by 118 votes to 1 and secondary legislation will be laid tomorrow so that the law comes into effect imminently.Mackay said: "The introduction of buffer zones will be a pivotal moment for reproductive rights in Scotland."For far too long, women all over our country have been forced to endure gauntlets of protesters with graphic banners and sometimes even megaphones trying to stop them from accessing the healthcare they are entitled to.

It is intimidation and harassment and it is completely wrong."The protesters have heard the same testimony as I have and know all about the pain, distress and hurt that they are causing for patients and medical staff.

Now, at last, we are on the verge of stopping them for good."We would not have got this far without the work of campaigners and medical experts and everyone who took the time to share what I know were difficult and traumatic experiences.

They made this Act as strong and robust as it can be."This is a breaking news story - we'll bring you updates, pictures and video as it happens.For the latest news and breaking news visit dailyrecord.co.ukFollow us on Twitter @Record_Politics and get updates from the team: @paulhutcheon, @andrewJQuinn97 and @dennynews.We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day