Precious Life protest Repeal the 8th Solidarity event on International Women's Day
Precious Life were proud to host a crucial pro-life demonstration outside Belfast City Hall on International Women's Day (8th March 2018) as an anti-life event in solidarity with the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment was taking place. The event, 'Solidarity Votes for Repeal Action' was organised by Alliance for Choice, a member of the Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment. On the event's Facebook page, Alliance for Choice wrote: 'This is a solidarity action for our sisters and others in the 26 counties where the 8th Amendment still creates a huge barrier to reproductive healthcare, including abortion care and also to full autonomy during pregnancy.'
The presence of many pro-life volunteers, holding signs which read, 'Keep abortion illegal - babies can live without it' and 'Keep abortion illegal - women are safer without it' proved crucial, as we attracted the attention of many passers-by during the hour long protest. Several young members of the public actually joined our protest, proudly holding signs which advocated a message of loving and protecting both mother and child. The vitriol and contempt from the Repeal side towards their opponents was tangible at the protest - and the atmosphere and overall tone of the demonstration was dark, menacing and aggressive. The absolute distain for those of us opposed to abortion for very real, genuine reasons, was palpable. The active aggression - especially against young pro-life women on International Women's Day was a sight to behold, with repeal advocates present smoke bombing those of us who want to love and protect women and babies from abortion.
The gathering sent out a clear, essential and powerful message that to be pro-life is to be 100% pro-woman and that many people in the North of Ireland want to save the 8th and are committed to doing so. The gathering sent out a simple message that our voice is present and it will be heard.