MSP faces criticism over “oppressive and undemocratic” assisted suicide censorship zone proposal

Green MSP Patrick Harvie has faced criticism over a proposed amendment to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Liam McArthur.

The amendment seeks to establish designated zones around facilities where assisted suicide services would be provided—such as GP surgeries and hospitals—within which expressions of opposition would be censored.

Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, condemned the proposal as “astoundingly oppressive and undemocratic,” asserting that it is intended to suppress all forms of dissent within these zones. He warned that the amendment could have a chilling effect on vital conversations between doctors and patients, require the removal of suicide prevention materials, including posters, and even limit discussions among family members.

He also said that it could obstruct suicide prevention services and restrict religious figures from engaging in pastoral conversations about suicide.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, described the amendment as “unthought out and in all likelihood counter-productive.” He added that “it would obstruct the work of existing and effective suicide prevention services across Scotland, carefully built up over years of planning. It would also effectively deprive many who are in extreme distress and contemplating suicide of the benefit of critical pastoral conversations in the numerous cases outwith the scope of the bill.”  

Gordon Macdonald, Chief Executive of Care Not Killing, characterised the proposal as “draconian” and “totalitarian”.

Critics have also drawn parallels to the abortion buffer zone legislation introduced by Mr Harvie’s Green Party colleague, Gillian Mackay, which limits pro-life activities around hospitals and clinics. That law, by Ms Mackay’s own admission, could even criminalise private prayer within one’s own home.

The Scottish Parliament is expected to hold a final vote on the assisted suicide Bill later this year, a decision that will determine whether assisted suicide becomes legal in Scotland.

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