A proposed amendment to Scotland’s assisted suicide legislation has sparked debate ahead of a parliamentary vote. Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the lawmaker behind the bill, has tabled a change that would reduce the maximum prison sentence for coercing a terminally ill person into ending their life.
Under the amendment, the maximum jail term at the summary level would be capped at twelve months, down from the current two-year limit outlined in the bill. The higher penalty at indictment level—up to fourteen years in prison—would remain unchanged.
According to a Liberal Democrat source, the change was introduced following advice from the Scottish Government in order to align the proposal with standard sentencing practices and the general approach to summary penalties.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny of the bill’s safeguards. Three Members of the Scottish Parliament who had previously supported the legislation have withdrawn their backing over concerns about coercion.
SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll said the provisions dealing with pressure on vulnerable individuals were particularly troubling, warning that coercion could occur in subtle ways that are difficult to identify. Her colleague Collette Stevenson later echoed similar concerns, saying she was not convinced that indirect or internal pressure on vulnerable people could realistically be detected or prevented.
Tory MSP Russell Findlay has also announced that he will vote against the final version of the bill for similar reasons.
Meanwhile, the issue of assisted suicide has also sparked a debate elsewhere in Europe. Just last month In France, protesters gathered outside the National Assembly to oppose euthanasia legislation currently under review by the Senate. Around forty people were reportedly arrested during the demonstration, despite peacefully opposing the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
The gathering was organised by Les Veilleurs, a pacifist movement known for holding candlelit vigils and readings celebrating the value of life.
