The Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim MP today expressed support for the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Private Members Bill tabled by the Member for Bass Michelle O’Byrne.
“I will be voting in support of Ms O’Byrne’s Bill, including the provisions which protect women undergoing the procedure from the kind of vile harassment we have seen all too often in other places,” Mr McKim said.
“Of course we need to protect women who are having a legally sanctioned medical procedure from being harassed, abused and vilified, especially at such a difficult and traumatic time in their lives.”
“However we can and should protect women seeking terminations without setting a precedent by banning, for example, preaching on the issue inside churches within 150 metres of termination clinics.”
“I believe it is possible to both protect women from abuse and guarantee freedom of expression by simply removing the word ‘protest’ from the list of banned activities within access zones, leaving in the bans on threats, harassment, intimidation and obstruction.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Member for Franklin Friday, 12 April 2013
