Ahead of the final vote on @gillianmacmsp's #BufferZones bill next week, wrecking amendments have been reintroduced by Jeremy Balfour MSP. We are particularly concerned by amendments 4 and 5. Read on to find out why....🧵 (1/4) 
@GillianMacMSP No. 4 creates an exception for “pastoral support or chaplaincy services" within clinics. But hospital chaplains will not be impacted by buffer zones law. Their role is to listen & support, not influence. This amendment could risk formal anti-abortion activism within clinics (2/4)
@GillianMacMSP No. 5 wd introduce a "defence of reasonableness" for people charged under the bill: a built-in loophole for defendants to argue their harassment is “reasonable” because of their beliefs. It also raises debunked concerns about "freedom of expression" (3/4)buff.ly/4be5YW3
@GillianMacMSP We strongly oppose both these amendments. If no. 4 passes we'll be asking for assurances of no formalised anti-abortion activism in clinics. We hope MSPs will make the right decision on 12 June & bring into law this considered, humane, and proportionate legislation. (4/4)
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