An anti-abortion group has stated members are “not there to hit people over the head with a bible” as 40 days of protest begins exterior a Glasgow hospital.
The deliberate demonstrations at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital have been described as a “gauntlet of harassment” by Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who’s campaigning for buffer zones round well being services to guard girls in search of abortion companies from intimidation.
However, the 40 Days for Life group stated members are solely there to wish and provide assist.
‘We’re not there to hit individuals over the top with a bible’
Robert Colquhoun, director of worldwide campaigns, advised Sky News that members had felt the “wrath” of objectors for merely “standing there praying”.
He added: “We’re not there to hit people over the head with a bible. We’re there to pray and offer help if somebody wants the help if they come up to us.”
The worldwide group – which was based in Texas in 2004 – has been working vigils in Glasgow for round eight years.
Mr Colquhoun acknowledged: “We have graceful conversations with passers-by. We’re simply standing there praying and it’s been a very fruitful vigil.”
The Glasgow marketing campaign started on Wednesday and can run every day till 2 April.
The group stated it would join people who find themselves in search of assist to the relative assist service. Members can even help those that have already had an abortion.
‘We’re being handled like criminals’
Mr Colquhoun stated the vigils are a “public sign of love” that different choices can be found.
He added: “There’s a small group of people standing praying and we’re being treated like criminals.
“We’re motivated out of fine intentions, out of affection. The thought is to be an indication of mercy for anybody who’s had an abortion and a final signal of hope for anybody who’s contemplating an abortion.
“We’re not telling people what to do. We’re not like the Westboro Baptist Church with huge signs saying ‘go to hell’ or whatever it is. We’re not judging people at all. We’re misinterpreted a lot.”
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‘It will probably be a 40-day gauntlet of harassment’
Ms Mackay, who’s aiming to introduce laws in Scotland to create 150m secure entry zones round well being services, condemned the 40-day marketing campaign.
The Central Scotland MSP and Scottish Greens well being spokesperson stated: “These protests are a disgraceful attempt to intimidate people out of accessing healthcare. Some of the protesters carry very graphic banners and other protests have seen loudspeakers and megaphones.
“It will probably be a 40-day gauntlet of harassment. It is totally unacceptable and has no place in a contemporary and progressive Scotland.”
Ms Mackay’s invoice has acquired backing from the Scottish authorities, the British Medical Association (Scotland) and the Royal College of GPs.
More than 12,000 responded to a session on the invoice.
Ms Mackay added: “Some of the tales that individuals have shared with me have been actually harrowing and stunning, and have underlined why this invoice is so very important.
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“I hope that this is the last year that we see these protests. The introduction of buffer zones will set an important precedent and will be a watershed moment for reproductive rights in Scotland.”
Campaign group Back Off Scotland shared an image of the demonstrators on Wednesday, with the caption: “Protesters outside abortion facilities often cite freedom of speech as the main reason why they won’t stop harassing patients.
“In an fascinating twist, they’ve now coated supportive, pro-choice indicators by the QEUH entrance.
“Freedom of speech, but only when it benefits them.”
Source: information.sky.com”