Pro-life advocates in the city of Manchester in the UK are speaking out against a law that would prevent anti-abortion protesters from coming near an abortion clinic in the city.
According to The Christian Institute, the measure would institute a mandatory buffer zone between the abortion clinics and protesters. The Manchester City Council has said it will “take all necessary actions within its powers” to ensure that people cannot protest near the Marie Stopes clinic in Fallowfield.
The motion has already passed in the City Council, and public consultations will now be held.
Antonia Tully, Director of Campaigns for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said that the City Council is taking action under the false pretenses that anti-abortion protesters have not been civil and respectful.
“Manchester City Council is repeating the false and evidence-free claims made by Ealing Council that ‘harassment and intimidation’ are taking place at peaceful pro-life vigils,” stated Tully.
In fact, John Marechal of the SPUC added that the pro-life advocates were not even engaged in protests at all, but were simply holding peaceful vigils.
“Local people simply pray quietly and offer help to any woman approaching the abortion clinic who wants support and advice,” he said.
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/ThamKC
Publication date: January 29, 2018
