Health committee MSPs will meet tmrw (22 May) to debate proposed changes to @gillianmacmsp's buffer zones law (supported by @backoffscotland). Jeremy Balfour MSP's amendments are really concerning. If agreed to they would offer huge loopholes for anti-abortion protestors🧵 (1/6) 
@GillianMacMSP @backoffscotland Amendment 22 would create an exception for anti-abortion activists providing ‘chaplaincy services at protected premises’. Given the track record of misinformation and manipulative tactics from anti-abortion activists, we would strongly oppose any such move (2/6)
@GillianMacMSP @backoffscotland Amendment 23 would allow anti-abortion protests when a clinic is closed. This would not protect staff members who arrive for their shifts outside hours. Patients with appointments at the start or end of the day could also face harassment (3/6)
@GillianMacMSP @backoffscotland Amendment 24 would explicitly exempt silent prayer from the bill. Introducing this exemption would severely undermine the bill and diminish the impact that so-called "silent" protest can have on those accessing and providing abortion. (4/6)
@GillianMacMSP @backoffscotland Amendment 25 would introduce a ‘defence of reasonableness’ for people charged under buffer zones law, on the basis of their right to free expression. But the Supreme Court in NI has already rejected the idea that buffer zones prevent free expression (5/6)buff.ly/4be5YW3
@GillianMacMSP @backoffscotland We urge committee members to reject all of these amendments. The bill must fully protect patients exercising their right to an abortion and the staff providing this vitally important healthcare. Robust and workable safe access zones cannot come soon enough. (6/6)
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