MSP severely disciplined for verbalising abortion views

Scottish National Party (SNP) politician John Mason MSP has been disciplined for speaking about abortion and defending pro-life activity outside clinics.

The SNP stated Mr Mason severely breached his position as a parliamentarian by spreading his views about abortion, accusing him of circulating misinformation and causing distress to women.

Mr Mason has frequently spoken about abortion and has, in the past, publicly raised concerns that, “some clinics seem to be pushing abortion without laying out the pros and cons.”

In June, the party issued a formal disciplinary written letter, stating, “We would like to make it clear that we absolutely respect your right to hold your views on abortion and your right to freedom of speech and expression. We do not, however, believe that you have the right to impose these views on others.”

By way of response, Mr Mason said: “You say that I have the ‘right to freedom of speech and expression’ on abortion but later that the ‘verbalisation of your views has caused great distress and trauma’. I am struggling to see how these two fit together.”

“I accept that for many people who have decided on an abortion, they are content with the service provided. However, for at least some women who perhaps were being coerced or who had not fully made up their minds, they consider that they have had a bad experience.”

The Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan stated the reaction to Mr Mason’s actions amounted to “political censorship” and warned the party against heightening the abortion debate to a “party political issue in Great Britain.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’ has publicly backed proposals to introduce ‘buffer zones’, to prevent protestors outside hospitals and abortion clinics. However, the plans could be subject to a legal challenge given the implications for free expression.

Michael Veitch, Scottish Parliamentary Officer at CARE for Scotland, commented:

"We seem to have arrived at a situation whereby to articulate differing views on the topic of abortion has become politically unacceptable in Scotland today. This should trouble everyone who values freedom of conscience and expression and seems to be part of a wider trend of silencing and shaming those who depart from the approved position. We seem to be rapidly departing from the principles of the Reformation and the Enlightenment for which our nation was once renowned."