A controversial SNP MSP has been slammed by colleagues and opponents for welcoming the historic US Supreme Courtroom resolution that ended the constitutional proper to abortion.
The professional-life politician John Mason advised that the tip of US-wide rights to abortion opened the potential of Scotland diverging from the remainder of the UK when it got here to the 24-week restrict on terminations.
His intervention comes simply hours forward of Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish summit on entry to abortion clinics.
Mason has already been condemned for saying that he doesn't see “any nice want” for buffer zones round abortion clinics in Scotland.
Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, is a dedicated Christian who has defended the anti-abortion “vigils” which have sprung up at Glasgow hospitals in a duplicate of protests seen at US abortion clinics.
Now, in an e mail response to an inquiry, Mason stated he was “fairly optimistic” concerning the US courtroom ruling which overturned the 50-year-old Roe vs Wade case that assured abortion rights throughout America.
He linked the return to particular person US states ruling on abortion as an alternative of federal legislation to the devolution of powers over the abortion course of to the Scottish parliament.
He stated: “Within the first place it's good for democracy as choices on abortion will likely be made at state stage moderately than United States vast."
"This brings the US into line with the UK with choices on abortion are made at a Scotland or England stage or not a UK stage.”
Mason added: “Nonetheless, I totally settle for that the important thing points right here is abortion itself. I word factors persons are making about girls’s rights. Nonetheless others would argue that from the purpose of conception, there are two individuals with the rights each the lady and the newborn. So I very a lot see my position as talking out for the weaker celebration, particularly the newborn.”
The assertion introduced a stinging response from the Scottish Authorities Minister for Girls's Well being, Maree Todd MSP, to stress any counsel to alter the legislation on abortion here's a non-starter.
She tweeted: “For the avoidance of doubt: There's nothing optimistic concerning the latest US courtroom ruling. Abortion has been authorized in Scotland for over 50 years."
"There will likely be no change to that. Abortion is authorized as much as 24 weeks in Scotland. There will likely be no change to that.”
Scottish Labour Girls’s Well being spokesperson, Carol Mochan, stated: “It's sickening to see an SNP MSP gloating as thousands and thousands of girls shedding entry to very important healthcare.
“The SNP declare to face up for ladies, however they give the impression of being the opposite method each time John Mason launches one other vile assault on human rights.
“Time and time once more Mason reels off inflammatory, deceptive and downright harmful views with out repercussions. "
“It's changing into an increasing number of tough for SNP politicians to justify sharing a celebration with him. It's time for the SNP to determine whether or not they care extra about shield girls’s rights or defending their very own celebration.”
Mason was approached to elaborate on his views on the Supreme Courtroom ruling and responded: “I've stated a good bit on this already, I'm not positive I've something new to say on it.”
His feedback create an embarrassing backdrop to the Abortion Care in Scotland summit which First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introduced in response to rising issues over the rise in anti-abortion protests outdoors hospitals and clinics in Scotland.
Monday’s summit will embrace speeches from Sturgeon and Minister Maree Todd and NHS representatives.
Different audio system embrace Inexperienced MSP Gillian Mackay, who has introduced ahead a member’s invoice to Holyrood on implementing buffer zones.
Forward of the summit, Scottish Lib Dem chief Alex Cole Hamilton restated calls for presidency motion on the problem.
He stated: “I'm categorical about what have to be achieved at this summit. The Authorities ought to decide to delivering buffer zones in authorities time and at tempo so that girls can entry therapy with out worry of intimidation or harassment.”
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