Clare McGraw, diocesan spokesperson for pro-life, has urged Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to take part in a mass lobby of the Scottish Parliament to oppose the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
On 13th May, MSPs voted narrowly in favour of the Bill, introduced by Liam McArthur MSP, by 70 votes to 56. The legislation is expected to return to parliament in the coming weeks, and McGraw stressed that this is a critical time to act.
“The introduction of assisted suicide in Scotland would place the most vulnerable at risk and undermine the dignity of human life,” she said. “We have an opportunity to make our voices heard and to show MSPs that this is not the path Scotland should take.”
To coincide with the Bill’s return, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will hold a mass lobby of MSPs at Holyrood on Tuesday 7th October, from 10am to 3pm. Clare McGraw explained that a mass lobby involves as many people as possible meeting their MSPs on the same day to convey their opposition face-to-face. SPUC staff will provide guidance and support on the day.
In preparation, a pre-lobby webinar will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 30th September at 7pm, offering participants practical advice on speaking with their MSPs.
Clare highlighted that just eight MSPs would need to change their votes to defeat the Bill. “With prayer, persistence, and personal witness, we can turn the tide,” she said. “I urge everyone who values life to take part.”