The Scottish Autonomous Parliament took the first step on Tuesday towards free periodical protection for all women, a provision unparalleled in the world.
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The bill passed at first reading by Scottish deputies provides that tampons and sanitary towels will be distributed free of charge in dedicated places (pharmacies, youth clubs, local centers). The annual cost of the measure is estimated at £ 24 million (around € 28 million). The bill was passed by 112 deputies. There were no votes against and only one abstention. In accordance with parliamentary procedure, a second phase will begin during which the elected members of the Edinburgh Independent Parliament will be able to propose amendments.
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At the origin of this bill, MP Monica Lennon believed that the adoption of her text "would mark a turning point by normalizing menstruation in Scotland and sending the tangible signal of the seriousness with which our parliament takes into account the issues of gender. " "These are basic commodities, and not a single woman in Scotland should have to live without periodic protections ," she also said.
Scotland has already taken a first step in 2018 by becoming the first nation to distribute periodical protection free of charge to schools and universities.
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