Scottish grandmother Rose Docherty’s case was dismissed after being arrested for holding a sign advocating for conversation near an abortion facility. The incident took place in February when Docherty, a 75-year-old from Scotland, was arrested outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. She was holding a sign with the message, ‘Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.’ The arrest occurred within the protected zone around the hospital, which is regulated under Scotland’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, introduced in September 2024. This law prohibits protests within 200 meters of 30 clinics offering abortion services.
Charges against Docherty were dropped following a decision by Scotland’s public prosecutor, the Procurator Fiscal. This outcome was welcomed by proponents of free speech, including the Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF), which provided legal backing for Docherty’s case. The ADF praised the decision as a ‘free speech win,’ highlighting the importance of protecting peaceful expression. The organization’s spokesperson, Lois McLatchie Miller, emphasized the significance of the ruling for those in Scotland who value open dialogue.
Docherty expressed her relief at the dismissal of her case, describing it as a victory for free speech in Scotland. She stated that her intention was to offer compassionate support to anyone who wanted to engage in conversation. The case has sparked broader discussions about the impact of ‘buffer zone’ laws on the right to free speech, with critics arguing that these laws can be misused to suppress peaceful expression. Legal counsel for ADF, Lorcan Price, noted that the case exemplifies how such laws can be weaponized against individuals seeking to exercise their right to free speech.
In addition to the support from ADF, the U.S. State Department also acknowledged the importance of protecting freedom of expression. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) issued a statement calling for governments worldwide to uphold freedom of expression. The DRL emphasized individual liberty and democratic freedoms, advocating for the protection of these rights across the globe. The Procurator Fiscal Service of Scotland did not provide details on the case, highlighting the limited information available on the matter.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader implications of buffer zone laws in Scotland and similar regulations in England and Wales, which prohibit influencing someone’s decision to access an abortion within 500 feet of any facility. The decision to drop Docherty’s charges has been seen as a positive development for free speech advocates, reflecting a shift in how such laws are being interpreted and enforced. This case continues to be a point of discussion regarding the balance between individual rights and public policy in the context of reproductive health and free expression.