A ‘Prayer vigil’ protest is being held outside hospital offering abortions as a group opposed to the practice steps up its campaign.
Religious group 40 Days For Life has begun a series of “vigils” in Glasgow near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital from today until April 13.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay has said that Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law, which prevents such protests w says it will face a “real test” as a series of protests are due to begin.
The group has said it will stay outside the 200-metre exclusion zone in place around the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
After assembling this morning, the group were barracked by passersby, who branded the protest ‘disgusting’.
But 40 Days for Life argue that they are entitled to hold their vigil and are complying with the law by staying outside the buffer zone.
The group resumed their campaign after comments by US Vice President JD Vance that free speech was “in retreat” across Europe, falsely citing the buffer zone law as an example.
An organiser for 40 Days for Life, Mary Gilroy, said: “We have arranged to meet with police services ahead of the planned dates and are grateful for our good working relations that protect our ability to pray
“We invite anyone who wants to chat to us about support for continuing their pregnancy to feel free to do so.
“In a nation like Scotland, it should never be illegal to pray or to have a consensual conversation.”
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READ MORE:
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- 'We faced torrent of abuse after JD Vance's abortion falsehoods'
- US anti-abortion group 'planning more protests at Scottish hospital'
- Vance was wrong on abortion claims but what about Scot Gov?
- Neil Gray: JD Vance's abortion buffer zones claims are 'ludicrous'
- Pensioner arrested for breaching Glasgow abortion protest buffer zone
In February, a 74-year-old woman became the first person in Scotland to be arrested over an alleged breach of the legislation.
Ms Mackay said: “The days ahead will be a real test of my Safe Access Zones Act.
“I will work with Police Scotland and health providers to ensure that it is upheld and that people are able to access healthcare free from intimidation and harassment.
“For far too long, women have had to endure totally unacceptable abuse and obstruction outside hospitals. It should never have happened, and my Act to stop it received the overwhelming support of our parliament.
“I urge anyone else who is planning to protest to look at the testimonies from people who have had to endure gauntlets of graphic banners and ask themselves if they really want to be responsible for causing even more pain and upset.”
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