Mark Whitehead 30 May 2018

Councils criticised for banning anti-abortion protests

Councils wanting to restrict protests outside abortion clinics have been challenged by a group of campaigners, including human rights activist Peter Tatchell and the Freedom Association.

The campaigners, who also include the Manifesto Club, Big Brother Watch and the Index on Censorship, say they have ‘grave' concerns over plans to introduce legally-enforceable buffer zones designed to prevent harassment of women using the clinics.

They say the Public Spaces Protection Orders would unfairly inhibit lawful protest and set 'a dangerous precedent for freedoms in the UK'.

Letters have been sent to the London boroughs of Lambeth, Richmond and Southwark along with the city councils of Portsmouth, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

The signatories say they respect women’s right to abortion and to seek services safely without obstruction or harassment.

But they say 'we are also defenders [sic] the right to protest and freedom of expression, and these rights also require protection.'

There has been 'a consistent failure in the use of PSPOs to make a distinction between activities causing objective nuisance or harm, and activities with which people disagree, or that they find disagreeable.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner