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Abuse of pro-lifers unacceptable

"When did universities stop being places where people can express their opinions and beliefs without such disrespectful opposition?"
Letter to the Editor generic image.indd
Letter to the Editor

I was shocked to learn that on Sept. 10th, at the University of Victoria, two women rushed a pro-life club table at the University of Victoria, snatching the plastic fetal medical models on display and dumping used cat litter all over the table. Youth Protecting Youth (YPY) was participating in the university’s Clubs Day event and had a recruitment table to sign up new members and engage with other students on the pro-life issues.  There were no photos depicting abortion…only molded plastic medical models which show human life at each month’s development.

Although the plastic fetal models were recovered, club members arrived back the next morning to find that the vandals had broken into the club’s room. More filthy litter had been dumped on the table and the fetal models - valued at several hundred dollars - had been stolen.

When did universities stop being places where people can express their opinions and beliefs without such disrespectful opposition?  This kind of criminal behavior has no place on a Canadian university campus.

Locally, several years ago, similar plastic fetal models were on display at the Teddy Bear picnic and mothers would bring their young children to our pro life table to show the child how she, or the expected sibling, developed.  However, despite praise given the table volunteers by those visiting the display, the Teddy Bear picnic organizers banned future pro life participation as being too “controversial”.

These same biases see mainstream media refusing to print press releases re: this act of vandalism and theft; so readers are denied freedom of information to learn about acts against people trying to educate and engage in peaceful debate. What message does this give to our youth?

A civilized society permits education of how human babies develop and encourages calm debate. People who disagree with protecting preborn life should learn to voice their disagreement in a mature, respectful manner.

Carol Albo

Rossland

Area Right to Life Society