Charges dropped against Grandmother arrested for holding “here to talk” sign in abortion zone

Image Credit: Screengrab via X

A grandmother who became the first person arrested in Scotland for standing within a buffer zone holding a “here to talk sign” has had the charges dropped against her.

In February this year, 74-year-old Rose Docherty was arrested for holding a sign that said “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want,” whilst standing within a buffer zone around Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. After several police approached the elderly woman, she was hand cuffed and driven away, an ordeal that was recorded on camera. She became the first person to be arrested for standing within the buffer zone in Scotland, since the law was implemented in September 2024.

Regardless of views on the Act, do we really need 4 police officers to arrest and handcuff a 74 year old woman? https://t.co/NIDTLMP11z
— Christopher McEleny (@ChrisMcEleny) February 20, 2025

Author of the bill, Gillian Mackay has said upon news of Ms Docherty’s arrest that “this kind of intimidation has no place in a modern or progressive Scotland,” further warning people “to think again, as they will be stopped and there will be consequences”.

However, SPUC responded, slamming the buffer zone law as “intolerant” and “intimidating”.

“It is Police Scotland, at the behest of Gillian Mackay’s intolerant buffer zones law, which is engaging in intimidating acts; in this instance against a 74-year-old woman,” said SPUC’s Editoral Officer, Daniel Frampton. “Mackay’s disgraceful rhetoric – telling fellow citizens to ‘think again’ or face ‘consequences’ – is not a good look for Scotland. Her buffer zones law appears far more intimidating than an elderly grandmother holding a sign offering help.”

Sandra Parda of the Life Institute reiterated this saying that “these exclusion zones laws are indeed intimidating for there is no reason to feel threatened by the presence of an elderly woman offering the chance to have a conversation.”

The US bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and a government state department, Labor, responded to the case with a warning to protect freedom of expression.

“Freedom of expression needs to be protected. We call on governments, whether in Scotland or around the world, to respect freedom of expression for all,” they said.

According to the Daily Mail, the case brought about a debate on whether the buffer zones law really protected women or if they were just repressing freedom of speech.

However, Ms Docherty has now had the charges against her dropped, after a battle that lasted several months. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have said that “after careful consideration, it had been decided that there should be no further action taken at this time.”

In response to this news, Ms Docherty said “This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation.”

“I’m relieved that common sense has prevailed – of course, offering consensual compassionate conversation is not a crime, and I should never have been arrested for this activity,” she told the Daily Mail. “I stood with love and compassion, ready to listen to anyone who wanted to talk. My sign made that clear. Our society can only benefit from more people being ready and open to listen and chat.”

“I’m relieved the decision of the Procurator Fiscal, but I do feel the process has been somewhat punishing in and of itself – waiting for months on end as to whether I could face court, or worse, just for standing peacefully”.

Speaking about her arrest, Ms Docherty said that she “wasn’t there to pray but to be available for conversation if anyone wanted to talk. I held a placard being clear about that.”

“Coercion can come at the hands of an abusive partner, pressure from parents, friends, or in various different forms. No matter our ideological persuasions, we can all agree that nobody should be pushed into any serious and life-changing decision,” she continued.

“Everyone has the right to a consensual conversation. I simply made myself available for a chat, should anybody like to approach me and speak about any matter on their mind.”

An exclusions zone law was implemented in Ireland in October 2024 as well, despite the Garda Commissioner stating that no such law was needed as the Gardaí are already able to deal with any complaints in regards to pro-life vigils. The Life Institute have said that pro-life vigils will continue despite this “undemocratic” law.

Sandra Parda of the Life Institute commented, saying: “This is fantastic news, not just for life causes but for freedom of speech and expression. Such laws are unjust and have no place in a free and inclusive society.”

“Despite claims that these exclusion zones are there to protect women, in reality they are only there to protect abortion and prevent women from freely changing their mind and choosing life for their baby. There is nothing wrong with someone engaging in a peaceful and respectful conversation, and there is nothing intimidating about someone offering that to someone in need.”