Peers passed an amendment to place buffer zones around all abortion clinics in England and Wales, in a debate on the Public Order Bill in the House of Lords last night. The amendment slightly revised existing buffer zones provision in the Bill to make sure it was in line with human rights law. Humanists UK briefed peers in the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) to support the amendment, with the help of BPAS, and strongly welcomes the provision of buffer zones.
Buffer zones are areas around clinics where certain abortion-specific harassment such as displaying graphic signs, following and filming women, and repeatedly approaching women and doctors are not allowed. Similar legislation was passed in Northern Ireland last year, and is being considered in Scotland.
The buffer zone provisions were first added to the Bill through an amendment introduced in the House of Commons by Stella Creasy MP, and again supported by Humanists UK. The new amendment introduced by the Lords slightly revised this clause to guarantee its compliance with human rights law. It was put to a vote but this was called off after three minutes due to the overwhelming cross-party support. A wrecking amendment to remove buffer zones from the Bill was called to a vote but was resoundingly rejected by peers.
Baroness Sugg, APPHG member Baroness Barker, Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, and Lord Hogan-Howe put forward the cross-party amendment. APPHG member Baroness Thornton spoke in support of the amendment and its compliance with human rights law.
Humanists UK Public Affairs Manager Karen Wright commented:
‘We are pleased to see the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics come one step closer. While we recognise the right to free speech, it does not overrule others’ rights to essential medical services. Buffer zones draw the line in the right place by simply moving protesters to places where it would be harder for them to harass women. We applaud parliamentarians’ hard-work to protect reproductive rights in the face of rising anti-abortion protests and urge them to continue their efforts to see this reform to come to fruition.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
Read more about our work on abortion.
Read a transcript of the debate on the Public Order Bill.
Read the briefing prepared by bpas and supported by Humanists UK.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.