“Abortion Censorship Zones Echo the Ban in Civil Rights Marches in the North”

“Abortion Censorship Zones Echo the Ban in Civil Rights Marches in the North” – Denise Mullen

Cllr Denise Mullen has commented on the British Supreme Court decision to uphold the Abortion Censorship Bill.

Speaking today, Cllr Denise Mullen said “It is exceptionally disappointing to see that the British Supreme Court has made the decision to uphold a bill that would fundamentally restrict the freedom of pro-life human rights campaigners. Allowing people to peacefully and respectfully speak is fundamental to a functioning pluralist democracy.”

Cllr Mullen continued “There were 6,412 submissions received from members of the public on the initial bill. Only 13 expressed their support for the Bill - whilst the overwhelming majority of submissions opposed it outright. This is an attempt to shut down popular opposition to abortion. It will also have the effect of preventing people offering help and support to mothers outside abortion clinics. There are many well documented cases of mothers who changed their minds and had their child as a result of support offered by people outside abortion clinics.”

“This is a bill that Aontú are wholeheartedly opposed to. In a state that battered and shot dead Civil Rights marchers 50 years ago are we now going to start imprisoning human rights activists. 50 years SF and the SDLP campaigned against these injustices. Now they are welcoming both the British abortion law up until birth in some cases and banning people who offer support to mothers in times of need. We are calling on Stormont to reverse this bill and instead put support for women having unplanned pregnancies and new measures to ensure they receive information on positive alternatives for continuing with their pregnancy.” Concluded Cllr Mullen

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.