By Bill Heaney
Scotland’s Catholic bishops have described the recent Supreme Court decision which forbids protests outside abortion clinics as “very concerning”.
In a statement issued this morning, they issued the following lengthy statement: “The recent decision of the UK Supreme Court on the Northern Ireland buffer zone case is very concerning. It is a decision which fails to protect basic freedoms of expression and freedom of assembly. It will no doubt embolden efforts to criminalise peaceful vigils in Scotland.
“A proposal has already been put forward by an MSP which would prohibit ‘occupying’ space around abortion facilities and introduces areas of Scotland where prayer would become illegal.
“Were the Scottish Parliament to endorse such a law, it would erode hard won freedoms and fundamental rights.
“Criminalising citiziens for no more than occupying a specific location with the threat of imprisonment of up to six months for a first offence and up to two years for subsequent offences, would have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and assembly in a country which has long valued both.”
Bishops Conference of Scotland Photo by and copyright of Paul Mc Sherry 07770 393960
Our Lady of Fatima, Pilgrimage around the Diocese of Scotland.The Pilgrimage Statue of Our Lady of Fatima arrives at St Mirins Cathedral in the Diocese of Paisley,Rosary and veneration of the statue led by Bishop John Keenan, Sunday 8th Oct 2017.Photo by and copyright of Paul Mc Sherry 07770 393960 @Paulmcsherry2
Scottish bishops who have signed the statement include (from left) William Nolan, Leo Cushley, Brian McGee and John Keenan, of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Argyll and Paisley.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, right, has said clearly that she does not disagree with the court’s decision.The Bishops added: “Silent Peace vigils outside the Trident nuclear submarine base at Faslane have been a regular occurrence for decades and have enjoyed wide support, universally considered to be benign expressions of deeply held convictions.
“Vigils outside abortion facilities should be afforded the same protection.
“Evidence of their peaceful nature is seen in the fact that they have not led to any arrests or convictions.
“As Archbishop Eamon Martin, of Armagh, points out, ‘many mothers in crisis have felt supported at the last minute by a sensitive offer of practical help to find a way out of their crisis other than by ending the life of their unborn baby, it is perfectly reasonable to want to reach out in compassion to help vulnerable women and to be free to protect the life and well-being of both a mother and her unborn child’.
“We would urge members of the Scottish Parliament to support the expression of longstanding rights and the principle of reciprocal toleration.”
Top picture: A scan of a foetus in the womb.
It’s the English Court once again telling Scotland what it can and cannot do.
And make no mistake, with ruling like this, police will arrest and jail anyone who protests about abortion.
That Sturgeon supports this decision the Scottish Bishops and the clegy would we we advised to wind their necks in.