Edinburgh could be first to introduce abortion clinic 'buffer zones'
Edinburgh could be among test councils to introduce buffer zones - banning protests outside of abortion clinics
The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to express interest in becoming a 'test council' for abortion buffer zones.
It follows last week's abortion protest summit in the city.
Campaigners have been asking the Scottish Government to implement the measure to prevent protesters gathering directly outside of abortion clinics.
But whilst First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Women's Health Minister Maree Todd say they want to put buffer zones into effect, they say it could take time in order to avoid legal challenges.
Following the summit it was suggested some Councils could set up the prevention in the meantime.
Councillor for Portobello and Craigmillar Kate Campell put forward a motion to full Council last week suggesting Edinburgh volunteer to test buffer zones, a proposal which was unanimously backed around the chamber.
Councillor Campbell told Forth News:
"It just felt highly appropriate that we should formally say that Edinburgh would like to be considered as one of those test councils.
"The initial step is that Scottish Government, First Minister, and the Minister wanted to get local authorities and COSLA around the table to talk about how the Scottish Government could support councils to overcome any legal hurdles.
"It was accepted and unanimously approved. And I'm really pleased about that. Because after what feels like a really huge attack on abortion rights, and I think a lot of us are feeling quite bruised and quite emotional at the moment, it was really good to have full support of the entire chamber across party."