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 Political editor Brian Taylor reports"The minister said she defended the right to free expression"  real 28k  Health Minister Susan Deacon"One of the major social problems we face is teenage pregnancy"  real 28k |
'Stalin' jibe over abortions warning
The anti-abortion campaign has become more extreme |
Pro-life campaigners have reacted sharply to the "back off" warning issued by Scottish Health Minister Susan Deacon over abortion protests.
Her promise to use criminal legislation follows the establishment of Precious Life Scotland, which has said it is prepared to target individual clinics and staff.
Susan Deacon: "Other people have rights" |
"There are those who will disagree with this strategy. I recognise that people hold very strong and deeply-held views.
"I will defend to the end the right of these groups to hold their own views and to promote them. However, I also believe that in an equal and modern Scotland other people have rights."
'Very worrying development'
But Precious Life spokesman Jim Dowson responded: "This is a very worrying development and I think Josef Stalin, himself a bed-fellow and socialist, would be very proud of Ms Deacon.
"It's the pro-life lobby at the moment, next year who is it going to be?
"It's a clear message from the state that they will not tolerate any dissent at all."
Jim Dowson: "Stalin would be proud" |
At the time, Mr Dowson said he "utterly condemned" violence and added the aim of the campaign was to re-educate the people of Scotland.
The Brook Advisory organisation, which helps young pregnant women, insists the group employs "intimidating tactics and a policy of personal harassment".
Precious Life, which claims to have 60 members already in Scotland, is looking to establish branches in the main towns across the country.
Teenage abortions
In an address to the Public Health Medicine in Edinburgh, Ms Deacon said she believed the activists were in danger of driving vulnerable young people away from much needed help.
 The targeted provision of condoms and pills is not an evil in our society  |
| Susan Deacon |
She warned that ministers would look to the police to use laws such as the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Condoms "are not evil", Ms Deacon says |
On sexual health policy, she said: "I want to see more, new, convenient facilities such as those pioneered by Greater Glasgow Health Board at Boots in Glasgow and the Brook Advisory Clinic to offer modern, effective ways of delivering sexual advice and targeted contraception in settings which attract young people.
"The targeted provision of condoms and pills is not an evil in our society - neither are they a cure for our teenage sexual problems. But they are part of that solution.
Medics welcome comments
The British Medical Association in Scotland has supported Ms Deacon's stance.
Scottish Council chairman Dr John Garner said: "Doctors respect the right of people to demonstrate in support of their views, however it is not acceptable to harass or intimidate clinicians and patients.
"We welcome the Scottish Executive's pledge to support the use of the full force of the law to prevent these extremists dragging us down the path to confrontation and violence.
"The American experience teaches us that this path leads only to tragedy."
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02 Dec 99 | Scotland |
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Cardinal condemns sex clinics call |
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27 Oct 99 | Scotland |
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Anger as abortion groups clash |
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24 Oct 99 | Scotland |
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Opposition to abortion clinic plans |
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04 Oct 99 | Scotland |
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Anti-abortionists poised for Scottish campaign |
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20 Nov 99 | Scotland |
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Pro-lifers plan shock launch |
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