Hundreds of pro-lifers gathered to create a ‘Life Chain’ encircling Belfast City Hall on Saturday (23 October). Precious Life organised the event to mark the second anniversary of the imposition of abortion on Northern Ireland by the Westminster Government, and say approximately 300 people took part in the prominent city centre event.
Participants, including many families, joined holding banners and signs with images of babies and emblazoned with the words: ‘Every Child Deserves a BIRTH day”. The vibrant pro-life display was witnessed by many pedestrians and motorists who were out on what was a bustling pre-midterm Saturday in Belfast.
In a news release covering Saturday’s event, Precious Life say:
“It was on 21st October 2019, while Stormont was suspended, that abortion was forced on Northern Ireland by the Westminster Parliament through Section 9 of their NI Executive Formation Act. Their abortion regulations came into force in March the following year, and since then over 1556 babies have been killed by abortion.
“At the gates of the City Hall, we also had a poignant display of hundreds of baby shoes – each with a boy or girl’s name attached – arranged to form the number 1 5 5 6.”
In a moving address to the crowd gathered, Precious Life director Bernadette Smyth said: “This Life Chain today has sent out a clear message to the Northern Ireland Assembly – Repeal Section 9 and Restore Personhood to every child before birth.”
She concluded, “Our Repeal Section 9 Campaign will continue until every unborn child is once again legally protected in Northern Ireland.”
The event enjoyed political support, with two local councillors in attendance according to Precious Life. In addition, two Catholic priests and two Protestant Pastors joined the Life Chain, a nod to cross-community solidarity for the pro-life message.
DUP councillor Nathan Anderson attended with his family.
https://twitter.com/preciouslifecom/status/1452390196050284550?s=21
Writing on Twitter, he said: “Great to be standing by in solidarity for defence of the unborn! Keep up the great work.”
https://twitter.com/nathan_cllr/status/1452392493199282187?s=21
Saturday’s event follows the ‘draconian’ and ‘oppressive’ decision from a majority of parties at Stormont to vote to criminalise pro-life outreaches offering information on alternatives to abortion at abortion centres.
The Bill now moves to the Committee Stage, then Consideration Stage, Further Consideration Stage, and Final Stage. However, time remains short for the private member’s bill to complete legislative passage before the assembly election in May.
In the wake of the vote, which was backed by the SDLP, Sinn Fein, the Green Party and Alliance, Precious Life vowed to continue offering help to women outside places offering abortions.
“Precious Life’s peaceful 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,” the organisation said.
Pro-life witnesses, outreaches and prayer vigils are continuing across Northern Ireland regardless of the province’s broad-based abortion law.
