A proposal to criminalise “influence” in public spaces near abortion facilities was debated in the Scottish parliament yesterday, despite warnings from free speech campaigners that such legislation could result in “thoughtcrime” prosecutions as seen in England.

The Bill was launched by Gillian McKay MSP of the Scottish Green Party, who are no longer members of a coalition government following First Minister, Humza Yousaf’s decision to dissolve the Bute House Agreement last week.

The Stage One debate comes despite 77% of respondents to the Scottish Parliament consultation opposing the introduction of so-called “buffer zones”.

Lois McLatchie Miller of ADF UK commented on the odd juxtaposition of pushing an extreme piece of social legislation even as the Government is on the brink of falling: “Following the international embarrassment marking the launch of the recent ‘hate speech’ law, the last thing Scotland needs is more censorial legislation. Yet, even amidst the chaos of a collapsing Yousaf administration, our parliament continues to push measures which could see citizens criminalised for engaging in peaceful conversations, or even offering help”.