A grandmother in the U.K. has raised concerns about increased restrictions on free speech after her arrest for holding a sign outside an abortion clinic. As legislators consider expanding “buffer zones” around such facilities, she fears it could lead to further limitations on freedom of expression.
Rose Docherty, aged 74, was detained in Glasgow, Scotland, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in February for displaying a sign that stated: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk if you want.”
Her arrest marked the first under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which was implemented in September, according to a BBC report.
The law prohibits any protests or vigils from taking place within 200m or 656ft of 30 clinics offering abortion services in Scotland, but the law specifies that the Safe Access Zone could be extended if considered appropriate.
Docherty’s arrest came just days after Vice President JD Vance highlighted the law as an example of free speech being under attack in the U.K.
Rose Docherty, 74, was arrested in Glasgow, Scotland near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in February for holding a sign that read: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk if you want.” (Rose Docherty)
“It wouldn’t matter where we stood –201 meters, or 500 meters away – it seems the authorities would still try to crack down harshly and unfairly on individuals because the government simply disagree with their point of view. This is unjust – of course, there should be laws against harassment, and we all condemn such behavior. But merely offering conversations near a hospital is not a crime.”
Dr Greg Irwin, a doctor at the QEUH, was pictured confronting a group of protesters in February 2023, saying that they “cause emotional upset to patients, but also to staff members,” per the BBC. Groups have been protesting outside the hospital for 10 years, leading to the passing of the Safe Access Zones Act.
Mackay said patients and staff had told her that they still had to pass the protesters when attending the QEUH leading to distress.
“I think it’s appropriate that we take those concerns seriously and the government take a look at whether an extension is appropriate or not,” Mackay told the BBC.
The act allows ministers to extend the size of a buffer zone if it is decided that the existing zone is not adequate, a Scottish government spokesperson told the outlet.
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic in Birmingham, England. (Alliance Defending Freedom UK)
Docherty isn’t the first person to be arrested outside abortion facilities.
For instance, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a prominent pro-life activist, was arrested twice in Birmingham for silently praying without any signs near an abortion facility within a buffer zone. She was arrested under a local law known as a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). She was later awarded $13,000 in compensation for wrongful arrests, according to Christian Today.
The U.K. has drawn international attention for its alleged clampdown on free speech. A number of people have been investigated and arrested for social media posts.
