Scottish residents could be penalised for displaying pro life posters in own homes

Residents displaying pro-life posters in their own homes within Scotland’s newly introduced abortion buffer zones now face fines of up to £10,000, according to a government letter.

The exclusion zones, introduced in September, ban protests within 200 metres of abortion clinics, and this law has already been used to arrest individuals for praying silently near clinics.

The letter states that while the law generally applies in public spaces, actions within private homes could be criminalised if they are visible or audible within the zone and are done "intentionally or recklessly." This includes any effort to "influence" or "harass" people visiting or working at clinics.

Michael Veitch of CARE for Scotland criticised the law, calling it “draconian.”

He said, “The idea of peaceful, law-abiding citizens being fined thousands of pounds for displaying a pro-life sticker in their window is draconian."

Veitch also noted that concerns over government overreach were not properly addressed when the law was passed.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act was passed in June by 118 votes to one, despite opposition from religious and free speech advocates.

John Mason, the only MSP to vote against it, acknowledged that restrictions on private homes were anticipated but argued against the law as a whole.

While supporters of the law, such as Green MSP Gillian Mackay, argue it is necessary to protect women from harassment, critics maintain that it unfairly restricts freedom of expression, even within people’s homes.

The law has sparked serious concerns over the limits it places on peaceful protest and private dissent.