Scotland has become the first country in the world to pass legislation making period products freely available to all.
MSPs at the Scottish Parliament unanimously approved a Bill brought forward by Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon, bringing in legal right of free access to items such as tampons and sanitary pads.
Ms Lennon said the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill was a “practical and progressive” piece of legislation, made all the more vital because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Periods don’t stop for pandemics”
She said: “Periods don’t stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusables has never been more important.”
The Labour MSP has been working to tackle period poverty since she was elected to Holyrood in 2016.
She said: “On the issue of period dignity, I am beyond proud that Scotland is leading the way and we have moved at a fast pace in a short space of time.”
Ms Lennon told MSPs: “We have got here because we have worked together. We have shown that this Parliament can be a force for progressive change when we collaborate.
“Our prize is the opportunity to consign period poverty to history. In these dark times we can bring light and hope to the world this evening.”
Scotland will be the first country in the world to ensure there is access to free period products for anyone who needs them, under a law passed unanimously @ScotParl this evening. pic.twitter.com/BGAP0BfQ10
— Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) November 24, 2020
Equality and social justice
Her Bill was passed by 121 votes to zero after winning the support of the Scottish Government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell hailed the passing of the legislation as a “significant moment for gender equality”.
She said it was a “great privilege to be here today on a day that we will commit to Scotland becoming the first country in the world to legislate to ensure that free period products are available to all who need them”.
Ms Campbell added: “This legislation will do much to advance equality and social justice here in Scotland and elsewhere, as other countries seek to follow our path.”
World-first commitment
Rose Caldwell, chief executive of the charity Plan International UK, said: “In making this world-first commitment, the Scottish government has shown itself to be a pioneer in tackling period poverty, and we hope that nations around the world will follow its lead.
“With this landmark legislation, Scotland could soon become the first country in the world to eliminate period poverty once and for all, and with household finances under strain from the coronavirus restrictions, the need has never been greater.
“This new law will help to ensure that no girl or woman in Scotland struggles to afford period products.”
She added that rollout of the legislation would be “critical”, saying: “Period poverty is driven by a ‘toxic trio’ of issues, which on top of the cost of period products, includes a lack of education and the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation.
“We know, for example, that only a third (31%) of girls in Scotland feel comfortable asking teachers for period products in school. That’s why, alongside free products, we need education and training for girls, schools and parents to help tackle the stigma and embarrassment around periods as well as the cost.”
Reaction
Early reaction to the bill has been overwhelmingly positive.
Scottish Labour tweeted “tonight, we have made history,” while SNP leader expressed her pride at the move.
Tonight, we have made history.
— Scottish Labour (@scottishlabour) November 24, 2020
Scotland will be the first country in the world to make access to free period products a legal right. pic.twitter.com/WGOQeiip0l
Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls. Well done to @MonicaLennon7 @ClydesdAileen and all who worked to make it happen https://t.co/4lckZ4ZYIY
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 24, 2020
Sir Keir Starmer called for the move to be rolled out across the UK, and Aileen Campbell credited activists for making it happen.
Thanks to @MonicaLennon7 and @ScottishLabour, access to free period products is now a right in Scotland.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 24, 2020
We must ensure essential products are available to everyone across the UK.https://t.co/1Y1AwxgeRV
A lot of work, huge collaboration & a world first. Scotland has a Bill to be proud of that locks in the progress we have made to tackle period dignity. Congrats to @MonicaLennon7 for leading the Bill & to all the activists and others who’ve done so much to make it happen💪 https://t.co/Car97jfw0b
— Aileen Campbell (@ClydesdAileen) November 24, 2020
Related: Labour left lashes out ‘bullying’, ‘factional’ Starmer as civil war boils over
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