Aontú: Brennan 'exclusion zone' case may be pivotal in balancing rights
Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has highlighted the importance of the case of Claire Brennan, a pro-life campaigner and the case that has been taken against her for praying outside Coleraine Area Hospital within a so-called 'buffer zone'.
These zones, introduced by the Green Party at Stormont, means that no witness can held within up to 150m of a hospital by pro-life activists.
Mid Ulster Aontú Representative Noreen McEldowney has reiterated her support for Ms Brennan;
“I stand in solidarity with Claire and the right to life for the unborn child. Aontú have consistently fought exclusion zones and fought to defend the right to life, to freedom of speech, and many others.”
Claire was praying outside a hospital that ends the lives of innocent babies – yet she is the one the system have chosen to be reprehensible. It is the latest attack on democratic freedoms that Stormont parties tell us are so important – when it suits their agenda."
Ms Brennan was fined £750.
Ms Brolly said: "Aontú opposed these anti-democratic zones right throughout their journey through the Assembly as blunt instruments designed to punish pro-life activists for their religious convictions.
This case is extremely important, and I understand that Claire will appeal to a higher court against her conviction and we may yet see this discriminatory law struck down.
We will never be silent on the right to protest, especially when it may save a life, and I have no doubt like many other times in history when the political classes have been proven wrong, those of us who will stand by our lawfully held beliefs will be proven correct.
We offer our support and solidarity to Claire and will be monitoring her legal fight intently."
