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November 26, 2020

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Scotland passes law to make tampons, pads free

Source: AP | 00:05 UTC+8 November 26, 2020 | Print Edition

Scottish lawmakers have passed legislation to make items such as tampons and sanitary pads freely available, which according to campaigners makes it the first country to do so.

The Scottish Parliament unanimously approved a bill late on Tuesday that will require local authorities to provide free access to such items.

Monica Lennon, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party, had campaigned against “period poverty” — when someone who needs sanitary products can’t afford them — since 2016.

She described the legislation as “practical and progressive,” especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Periods don’t stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusables has never been more important,” 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.”

Her bill was passed in a 121-0 vote after winning the support of the Scottish government and the other opposition parties in the legislature in Edinburgh.

Under the bill, the Scottish government must set up measures to allow anyone who needs products for periods to get them free of charge. Schools and universities must make the products available for free in their bathrooms.

The Scottish government already funds free products for periods in schools and universities, but the bill makes it a legal requirement.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell from the Scottish National Party hailed the passing of the legislation as a “significant moment for gender equality.”

And Rose Caldwell, chief executive of the girls’ rights charity Plan International UK, said that with this 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.”

A 2017 survey by her charity estimated that 10 percent of girls aged 14 to 21 in the UK have been unable to afford products for periods, and 15 percent struggled to afford them.

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