Pro abortion rally blocked by God squad

Officials from Sydney’s St Andrews Cathedral have been accused of undermining freedom of speech after their decision to block a pro-abortion rally planned to take place last Saturday at Town Hall Square – a common rallying point for Sydney protests.

Sydney councilor, Meredith Burgman, has expressed dismay at the decision.

“It’s sad that the officials from the Cathedral have chosen to curb freedom of speech in this manner,” Dr. Burgman told the City Hub.

The protesters chose instead to gather in Martin Place, marching on Parliament House, and then on towards Hyde Park.

Despite the rain, more than 100 pro-abortion supporters turned out. The group carried placards in support of women’s rights, and were highly critical of the Government for its decision to prosecute a young Cairns couple who were arrested last year for using the abortion drug RU486 – smuggled in from Ukraine.

The protest, organised by the Women’s Action Abortion Campaign, was intended to coincide with a conference of the International Federation of Right to Life Associations.

While the conference did not go ahead last weekend, the anti-abortion group’s decision to postpone the meeting in Sydney until later this year means the debate on this issue is only expected to grow stronger.

by Kieran Adair