A meeting will be held early next month to consider the implication of a Bill that would implement safe access zones around health and social care settings.
Dr Michelle Haywood (Rushen) is moving the private member’s bill, which has already passed it second reading.
The Safe Access Zones and Protected Public Places Bill 2024 is designed to allow the DHSC to create access zones which would prevent any form of protest being held.
It also extends this to scientific research and vaccination hubs.
Critics however have said the Bill would impact on islanders’ right to free speech and there has been some suggestion it could be used to prevent striking health workers from organising a picket line.
Speech
Some of those opposing the Bill have organised a meeting to discuss what it could mean, arguing that it will result in “severe restrictions on speech”.
The meeting will hear from retired law lecturer Peter Murcott, who previously opposed same sex marriages, abortion reform and the proposed Assisted Dying Bill.
It will be held at Wednesday March 5 at 7pm at the Methodist Church, Loch Prom, Douglas.
There is currently a public consultation ongoing for the Bill, which is open until March 16 and can be found here.
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