The reform aims to protect women who choose to terminate their pregnancy in Spain
Spain made history on Thursday February 3 when the Congress of Deputies gave the green light to new legislation which will dole out prison sentences to anyone harassing women outside abortion clinics.
The law, which was approved with 204 votes in favour, 144 against and no abstentions, will now continue its parliamentary process in the Senate after being passed comfortably by the Lower House.
Once it has been officially passed, people who harass women entering abortion centres or the staff that work in them, “through offensive, intimidating or coercive” acts, such as taunting or praying, will be handed down jail terms. In addition, a complaint will not be required from the abused woman in order for her tormenter to be prosecuted.
Several feminist groups and political parties across Spain have applauded the government for protecting women from the “absolute cruelty” that comes from women meeting a “horde of fundamentalists” at the doors of the clinics.
“Prayer is not freedom of expression if the end result is to coerce,” a spokesperson remarked.
Image: Archive
Source: Murcia Today
