Glasgow City Council commits to introducing abortion protest buffer zones
The local authority says if it is given the power to do so, it will enforce the no-protest zones.
Last updated 19th Aug 2022
Glasgow City Council says it will enforce no-protest zones around abortion clinics, if it is granted the power to do so.
Leader Susan Aitken is telling Clyde 1 that the local authority is committed to "shielding patients from intimidation and harassment".
It follows a number of protests by pro-life campaigners outside Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and Sandyford clinic.
Currently, local authorities cannot legislate on the issue.
But a second summit, being hosted by the First Minister later this month, will focus on how to use local byelaws until national legislation can be passed.
NHS Grampian has said it would not support the automatic introduction of buffer zones.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The council took a clear policy position on buffer zones back in 2018 – when the kind of action we are now seeing become an issue at Sandyford was very much anticipated, but not yet taking place.
"With cross-party support, we backed the creation of protected spaces around reproductive health care premises; in order to shield patients from intimidation and harassment.
"Since then, legal advice has been that councils do not have the necessary powers to make that happen – so I really welcome the fact the Scottish Government is ready to work with local government to overcome those barriers.
"Assuming that is possible, Glasgow would be ready to pioneer the approach in Scotland."
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.