NI Assembly to debate 'Abortion Zone' Bill on Wednesday 2nd March
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ACTION ALERT - "Consideration Stage" of draconian, oppressive and discriminatory 'Abortion Zone' Bill in NI Assembly on Wednesday 2nd March
Green Party Leader Clare Bailey's Bill to criminalise pro-life people outside abortion centres will reach its Consideration Stage in the NI Assembly on Wednesday 2nd March.
Her so-called 'Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones)' was introduced in September, and pro-abortion MLAs are demanding this legislation to criminalise pro-life people is passed into law before the May election.
If it passes its Consideration Stage it will then move to the Further Consideration Stage - Final Stage - then, if it gets a majority vote in the Assembly, it receives Royal Assent and becomes law.
The explanatory notes state the purpose of the Bill is to '...make it a CRIME to DO ANYTHING...’ outside an abortion centre '...which might influence a person in their decision to attend...' an abortion centre.
The Bill states the purpose of the zones is to ensure that pro-life people '...are criminalised’ for any actions within a zone which may have the effect of 'influencing' persons accessing the abortion centre.
Therefore, simply holding a sign; distributing information leaflets; talking to a woman to offer her help, or even praying outside an abortion centre will be '...punishable on conviction by fines' up to £2500
Clare Bailey’s abortion zones are discriminatory as they would only target pro-life groups. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights – both protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the Human Rights Act.”
Clare Bailey is a hypocrite. She demands ‘safe access' to abortion centres, but completely ignore the reality that babies are being killed inside these centres. The ultimate safe zone for unborn babies should be in their mothers' wombs.
Also, Clare Bailey and other pro-abortionists who campaigned to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland, continually said women should not be criminalised. Now her Bill actually states that pro-life women outside abortion centres must be 'criminalised.'
Clare Bailey wants to cancel the Right to Assembly and the Right to Free Speech. But Precious Life reiterate that the right to freedom of assembly and right to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. If this Bill is passed, we will challenge it through our local courts, the High Court, the Supreme Court, and if need be, right up to the European Court of Human Rights.
Claims of ‘harassment’ and 'intimidation' are cynical lies by pro-abortionists with a clear agenda to stop any pro-life public presence. These 'Abortion Zones' are nothing but a desperate attempt to rob vulnerable women of an alternative to abortion.
In January, PSNI Chief Superintendent Melanie Jones gave NO EVIDENCE of any harassment or intimidation outside abortion centres, nor any incidents that police could not have dealt with under the legislation that currently exists. She told the Health Committee that most of the pro-life gatherings are “fairly compliant”. She told the Committee she would advise "careful consideration around the competing human rights at play". She acknowledged pro-life people have rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as freedom of expression and assembly. Chief Supt Jones also raised resourcing implications for police. When asked about how many police hours the legislation would require, Chief Supt Jones said it would increase demands on policing. “Protests of this nature can be frequent and spontaneous and be elongated, and effective policing would probably require a continuous police presence for the duration of any such activity”, she said. Chief Superintendent Jones concluded that
she felt it would be naïve to think enforcement of the abortion access zones legislation would not be subject to legal challenge.
Our vigils in Northern Ireland will continue offering help and life-affirming alternatives to women outside the abortion centres. We will never stop actively protecting unborn babies — when and wherever their lives are in danger of abortion.
TAKE ACTION - Stop the 'Abortion Zones Bill' NOW
This Bill must be stopped in its track NOW. It is vital that you contact your MLAs and ask them to oppose the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill at its Consideration Stage.
It is draconian and oppressive, and totally discriminatory as it only targets and criminalises pro-life people.
Pro-life vigils are peaceful, and the police already have adequate powers to deal with any alleged actions that are against the law.
Remind your MLAs that every political party in Northern Ireland has taken part in some form of public 'protest.'
Therefore, regardless of their views on abortion, the right to freedom of assembly and right to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights that they must uphold and protect.
Find your MLA's contact details here...
www.theyworkforyou.com ([link removed])
www.writetothem.com ([link removed])
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