A CALL for feedback on a bill that would stop protests outside Albury’s abortion clinic has sparked 97 per cent approval for exclusion zones.
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Only a handful of 200-odd respondents to Albury MP Greg Aplin did not declare support for a NSW parliamentary bill which would ban protests and harassment within 150 metres of reproductive clinics.
The Facebook reaction has been mirrored in nearly 100 emails that Mr Aplin has received since calling for views following the introduction of the bill to the Upper House last week.
About 75 per cent of the Facebook opinions were from women and all were in favour of a safe zone.
Despite the overwhelming support, Mr Aplin would not say if he would vote yes if the bill reaches the Lower House as is expected.
“We’ll wait and see how it materialises in parliament because it first has to be debated in the Upper House,” Mr Aplin said.
One of those who did answer Mr Aplin’s Facebook call was Enisa Elliot who had an abortion at the Englehardt Street clinic in 2014 after being raped.
“Please please protect the women who are going for a LEGAL MEDICAL PROCEDURE (sic),” Ms Elliot urged Mr Aplin.
“This is not impeding on any religious rights, it is not going to change anyone’s views or beliefs, it will just be made safer for women.”
Ms Elliot told The Border Mail she was disappointed Mr Aplin appeared unswayed by the feedback.
“Of course it’s frustrating he’s not stood up and said ‘I’m going to protect women’,” she said.
“He should honestly come out and say yes he’s going to support it because everyone who matters is saying support it.”
Although not willing to commit to a position on the bill, Mr Aplin said he would look to “reflect” the views he was receiving.
He defended his past view that it was a “law and order” issue as there was seen to be “no other way” to handle the situation.
Debate on the bill is due to start in the Legislative Council on Thursday.