Previous anti-abortion protests saw a number of baby-sized coffins placed on the ground outside the NMH. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienSafe access zones will be set up within 100m of facilities that provide termination of pregnancy services under plans due to be approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.
Under the proposed laws, anti-abortion protests will be prohibited with 100m of any facility that could be providing access to terminations, rather than just those that actually do so at present. This will effectively mean the introduction of exclusion zones around all hospitals, GP practices as well as other facilities such as Wellwoman and Irish Family Planning Association services.
In terms of penalties, it is understood that a graduated response is proposed, starting out with a warning from the Garda. Some offences can be prosecuted summarily in the District Court and more serious offences may be indictable before a judge and jury. Penalties could also escalate for repeat offences. The legislation will contain safeguards to make sure that only those who make an intentional decision to protest within a safe zone are criminalised.
Mr Donnelly brought in a senior counsel to the Department of Health specifically to look at what changes could be made to the laws ahead of the drafting of the laws. He will tell the Cabinet that the prohibition is not on the right to protest, but on the exercise of that right within limited areas.
Another stupid unenforceable legislation, slow clap.
'terminations' lmao. mfw I kill baby
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Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »