A PROPOSED LAW ensuring cost-free access to sanitary products is set to be debated in the Scottish Parliament after receiving cross-party support.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon is campaigning to end “period poverty” across Scotland by placing a “legislative duty” on the Scottish government to offer free supplies of tampons and sanitary pads.

Her member’s Bill would also compel schools, colleges and universities to stock sanitary products.

Ms Lennon told the Star yesterday that her proposal had been endorsed by MSPs from all five Scottish parties.

Politicians have until Friday to add their support, but the legislation has already passed the threshold required to proceed to the next stage.

Ms Lennon said: “Despite the vast amount of wealth in Scotland, child poverty is rising and we are learning more and more about the experiences of women and girls who struggle to access adequate sanitary products.

“This humiliating gender-based inequality is unacceptable and I’m determined to change the law through a member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament so that no-one has to endure period poverty.”

Ms Lennon said she was “especially pleased” to have the support of SNP MSP Gillian Martin, expressing hope that this would help “secure further SNP support.”

The consultation document on the new law notes that “homelessness, coercive, controlling and violent relationships and health conditions such as endometriosis” can complicate menstruation.

It also calls for access to different types of products and “trans-inclusive” access.