Sector support for Scotland’s first ever period poverty Bill

15 January 2020

Children in Scotland has signed an open letter to MSPs, urging them to back legislation to address period poverty.

The letter, published today, calls on the Scottish Government to reconsider their decision not to support the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill, proposed by Labour MSP, Monica Lennon.

The Members’ Bill would introduce a right to access free period products, including within schools, colleges and universities and build on the initiative introduced by the Scottish Government in 2019.

Responding to the letter, which has been signed by more than 30 organisations, Monica Lennon MSP said:

“Period poverty is a reality that causes shame for too many people and stops them fulfilling their potential. No one should have to go to food banks to access essential period products and this Bill provides a solution that builds on the positive work that Scottish Government, local authorities and education partners are already committed to.

“This Bill is about dignity and equality, and I’m proud it is supported by women’s, youth and LGBT organisations, trade unions, health experts and a wide range of groups, who all believe in period dignity for everyone.

“Legislation will lock in the progress that has been made so far, and go further by protecting the right to access period products in law.

“I want to work with the Scottish Government and all MSPs so that we can pass this world-leading legislation together.”

Children in Scotland has previously expressed support for free provision of period products.

Publication of the letter follows the announcement from Cabinet Secretary Aileen Campbell that the Scottish Government is not supporting the Bill.

Monica Lennon will give evidence on her Members’ Bill to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee today.