Wall Street Journal: “Scotland has launched one of the biggest efforts yet to make tampons and sanitary pads free for anyone who needs them as lockdowns around the world have made it harder for women and girls to obtain period products. The new legislation, passed by the Scottish parliament on Tuesday, comes two years after the regional government began providing sanitary products free of charge in schools, colleges and universities, followed by other parts of the U.K. The Scottish government will now work with local authorities to buy and distribute pads and tampons, freeing those in need from any financial obstacle to obtaining them.”
“The bill’s authors aimed to reduce other problems that can limit access to period products, including abusive relationships and homelessness. The cause has won unanimous support. Scotland’s leader, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said on Twitter she was ‘proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation.’ The opposition lawmaker who introduced the bill, Monica Lennon, told the legislature in Edinburgh that ‘we have shown that this Parliament can be a progressive force when we collaborate.’ Other Scots also applauded. ‘It’s a big step forward in showing that these issues matter,’ said Christine McCallum, 43, who has two teenage daughters.”