Disability rights campaigner Heidi Crowter has launched legal proceedings against the UK Government to correct “discrimination” in UK abortion laws. The 26-year-old, who has Down’s Syndrome, argues that current legislation directly discriminates against people like her by permitting abortion up to birth if a baby is thought to have a disability. Of the law, HeidiContinue reading “Holyrood can challenge ‘downright discrimination’ in abortion law – The Herald”
Author Archives: Jamie Gillies
The eugenicist roots of the assisted-dying movement – Sp!ked
There are media double standards when it comes to the debate over assisted dying in Scotland. The press seems all too willing to target the beliefs of those opposed to assisted dying, yet unwilling to look too closely at the roots of those in favour of it. Why? Because they seem to think there is something suspiciously Christian aboutContinue reading “The eugenicist roots of the assisted-dying movement – Sp!ked”
Don’t legalise assisted suicide – The Critic
Fresh legislation will soon be brought forward at the Scottish Parliament to legalise assisted suicide or, as it is often, euphemistically called “assisted dying”. At Westminster, similar plans have already been lodged in private member’s legislation by Baroness Meacher. Jersey is also expected to pursue a change in the law. The liklihood of assisted suicideContinue reading “Don’t legalise assisted suicide – The Critic”
UK Govt can no longer ignore calls for online pornography safeguards – The Sunday National
In politics there comes a tipping point when support for a certain course of action leads to irresistible, concrete change. When it comes to protecting children from exposure to online pornography, that moment was supposed to come in 2019. But it never did. In the run up to 2019, there had been growing opprobrium about theContinue reading “UK Govt can no longer ignore calls for online pornography safeguards – The Sunday National”
Assisted suicide bill poses huge risks – Scottish Daily Mail
It is hugely dispiriting to learn that yet another attempt is to be made at Holyrood to change the law around assisted suicide. Assisted suicide – or, as it is euphemistically termed ‘assisted dying’ – has been considered by the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament several times in recent years. In each instance, legislatorsContinue reading “Assisted suicide bill poses huge risks – Scottish Daily Mail”
Assisted suicide remains a dangerous step – MSPs must reject it
On Sunday, it was announced that a bill to legalise doctor-assisted suicide in Scotland will be brought before Holyrood. The news is hugely dispiriting. Assisted suicide – or, as it is euphemistically termed ‘assisted dying’ – has already been comprehensively rejected both by Holyrood and Westminster several times. The evidence from other jurisdictions, from thoseContinue reading “Assisted suicide remains a dangerous step – MSPs must reject it”
MSPs right to slam UK Government inaction on pornography – Press & Journal
The UK Government’s online safety proposals, designed to tackle ‘online harms’ have faced scrutiny since being announced last month. In the context of the ‘culture wars’, they are a lightning rod. Their impact, or otherwise, on free speech – a most vital liberty – will be a central concern. However, an impact on free speechContinue reading “MSPs right to slam UK Government inaction on pornography – Press & Journal”
‘People will die in the dark’
In the fast-paced world of TV journalism you don’t often come across a discussion on a contentious topic that’s calm, nuanced, or profound. Interviewers can give short shrift to both sides of an argument and instead encourage confrontation between commentators to create ‘good television’ and clickbait headlines. But every so often there are exceptions toContinue reading “‘People will die in the dark’”
The crisis of free speech in Scottish universities – Sp!ked
As a rule of thumb, the Scottish government pursues different priorities to the Tories at Westminster. Scotland’s ruling party, the SNP, is at pains to highlight differences and divisions – to prove that Westminster is at odds with Scotland and callous to her needs. But exceptionalism for exceptionalism’s sake does not benefit the Scottish people.Continue reading “The crisis of free speech in Scottish universities – Sp!ked”
Should assisted dying be made legal in Scotland? Press & Journal
New guidance on preventing suicide was issued to every local authority in Scotland last month in a bid to harmonise the approach taken in different council areas. It is a hugely welcome initiative. Figures show that 833 people died of suicide in Scotland in 2019 – an average of two people every single day. TheseContinue reading “Should assisted dying be made legal in Scotland? Press & Journal”