Scottish ministers back bill to make right to free period products law

In a surprise climbdown, the Scottish Government will back a ground-breaking bill giving everyone a legal right to free period products.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon has long campaigned for period provision to be made universal in a bid to reduce poverty and tackle the stigma around periods.

Despite previously opposing the bill in favour of period poverty-busting measures which are already in place, the SNP said last week they would support the bill at its February 25 stage one vote. Ministers will seek amendments at a later stage.

Free period products are now available to more than half a million people across #Scotland.

We're building on our world-leading action to ensure period dignity by supporting the principles of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill.

➡️ https://t.co/6j06Aqy0fupic.twitter.com/rzAxocQmwr

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) February 19, 2020

The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill attracted cross-party support including from SNP activists who pressured politicians to get behind the legislation.

Lennon said: “Scotland has already taken important steps towards improving access to period products and tackling stigma.

“Legislation will guarantee rights, ensure that current initiatives continue in future on a universal basis, and will help us achieve period dignity for all.”

Grassroots campaigners are also making headway in England and Wales, where schools recently started offering free pads and tampons and an increasing number of football clubs are making them freely available in their facilities.

Was great to represent @OfficialSYP at @MonicaLennon7’s drop in session for #PeriodPoverty bill in @ScotParl today! Strongly urge MSPs to consider their young constituents, and support this crucial bill on Tuesday! �dz #PeriodPositiveScotlandpic.twitter.com/xiJd3FUcZ1

— Emily Harle (@EmilyLHarle) February 19, 2020

The Scottish Government will also work with friends of The Big Issue and period dignity champions Hey Girls to develop a locator app helping people access free products.

This news follows last week’s launch of our first-of-its-kind special issue devoted to smashing period poverty, created in collaboration with the social enterprise, featuring contributions from social enterprise champion Caitlin Moran and #Pads4Dads campaigner Michael Sheen.