Precious Life welcomes strong stand by Scottish Bishops against 'draconian' Buffer Zones law

Precious Life has warmly welcomed a powerful statement from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland condemning the country’s abortion “buffer zones” law as disproportionate, undemocratic and a serious threat to fundamental freedoms.

In a statement issued on 6 January, the Bishops strongly opposed the Buffer Zones legislation, warning that it represents a profound shift in the relationship between the State and the individual and risks criminalising peaceful expression, silent prayer and even private conduct within people’s own homes.

The buffer zones law criminalises behaviour deemed to “influence” decisions about abortion. The Bishops described the law’s wording as dangerously vague and warned that it suppresses democratic debate and freedom of conscience.

Director of Precious Life Bernadette Smyth said the Bishops had articulated what many ordinary people are now deeply concerned about.

She said, “The Catholic Bishops of Scotland have spoken with moral clarity and courage. This law is not about safety, it is about silencing opposition to abortion and criminalising compassion, conscience and prayer. Precious Life fully supports the Bishops in their defence of free speech, religious liberty and the right to peacefully stand up for unborn children.”

The Bishops also warned that women facing crisis pregnancies may now be denied access to life-affirming alternatives and practical help, as the law effectively removes one side of a conversation from the public square.

“A law that claims to protect ‘choice’ ends up eliminating choice altogether,” said Mrs Smyth. “Women deserve real support, real compassion and real options, not silence imposed by law.”

“As the Bishops rightly say, babies do not have a voice of their own. It is tragic that the State has now chosen to suppress the voices of those who speak peacefully on their behalf.”

Precious Life reaffirmed its support for all those who, motivated by conscience and compassion, continue to defend the right to life and fundamental freedoms in Scotland.

Bernadette Smyth added, “This law is draconian, unnecessary and profoundly unjust. It should concern every citizen who values freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the right to stand up peacefully for the most vulnerable among us.” 

Precious Life also stressed that the warnings issued by the Catholic Bishops of Scotland are already being borne out in Northern Ireland, where similar buffer zones legislation is in force. The group pointed to the fact that a mother-of-four in Northern Ireland is already being dragged through the courts for praying outside an abortion centre - a stark illustration of how such laws operate in practice.

Bernadette Smyth concluded, “Buffer zones are no abstract threat, they are already being used to criminalise peaceful prayer and pro-life witness. In Northern Ireland, Precious Life will continue to challenge and oppose this unjust legislation, to stand with those targeted for their beliefs, and to work tirelessly to see buffer zone laws overturned. We will not be silenced, and we will not abandon women or their unborn children.”

Read the Bishop's full statement here...