In a statement released last week (March 17), Stirling Students’ Union announced they did not have the legal means to prevent the Stirling Catholic Society from attending an anti-abortion campaign outside a Glasgow hospital.
The anti-abortion campaign, titled ’40 Days for Life’, is a transnational movement which seeks to “end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses”.
Complaints were made to Stirling Students’ Union after the Catholic society published a social media post supporting the ’40 Days for Life’ campaign. The society had arranged for a minibus to take supporting students to Glasgow from Stirling for the demonstration.
Promoters of ’40 Days for Life’ have been protesting at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow every day until April as a part of the Christian holiday of Lent.
This statement comes after Brig reported that the society had been suspended over their support of the campaign.
Stirling Student Union’s statement on anti-abortion protests
The union wrote: “Members will be aware that the Union took action recently to suspend the recently affiliated Catholic Society.
“Understandably, the new society’s activity generated a great deal of attention from students, alumni and members of the public. We understand that many of our members disagree with the society and want to see us take action, but it is not within the legal reach of the Students’ Union to prevent their activities.
“While we have democratic mandate in favour of the Safe Access (Abortion Services) Scotland Bill, as a Students’ Union for all, we note their right to free speech and freedom of thought to disagree.
“The Union recognises its commitments to equality legislation and will be working with the society to ensure any activity they undertake is risk assessed and carries a commitment to ensuring it is undertaken without harassment and intimidation whilst ensuring their legal rights.
“We recognise that permitting engagement in this activity may disappoint some members, particularly in light of the Union’s stated support for buffer zones but they should know that we remain committed to working with our members to ensure we can move the debate forward in a respectful manner.
“Vice President Jess Reid commented, ‘This decision will ensure that the Union meets its legal obligations in supporting freedom of speech on campus. Above all, this situation highlights the need for legislation to ensure buffer zones are in place to remove any ambiguity for those seeking reproductive freedom.’
“The Union’s priority remains ensuring that all of our members feel safe and supported. We are committed to ensuring that any students in need is able to access the right advice about their reproductive health.”
Vice President’s response
Vice President of Communities, Jess Reid, expanded on her statement via social media.
“To elaborate on my comment within the Union’s statement, this decision will ensure that the Union meets its legal obligations in supporting freedom of speech on campus. Above all, this situation highlights the need for legislation to ensure buffer zones are in place to remove any ambiguity for those seeking reproductive freedom.
“Stirling is not the first Union to be challenged by this issue, and it is not the first to be threatened by the consequences of not having the back of governmental legislation.”
Jess continued: “Stirling is not the first Union to be challenged by this issue, and it is not the first to be threatened by the consequences of not having the back of governmental legislation.
“We need the Scottish government to pass this essential legislation, we cannot on our own prevent these activities from happening. Students and people across Scotland are in desperate need for buffer zones.
“To be candid, I am frustrated that this is the outcome of our investigation and that this is the action which we have had to take. In my opinion, no one should be permitted to congregate outside of abortion clinics, however, the law is not on our side.
“As a Union and Sabbatical Officer team, we will continue to be part of the movement for the buffer zones bill to pass.”
Brig has reached out to the University of Stirling Catholic Society for comment.
Featured Image Credit: 40 Days for Life on Creative Commons
BA (Hons) Film, Media and Journalism graduate. Freelance Journalist for Brig Newspaper and Entertainment Daily. Head of Social Media for Brig Newspaper.
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[…] March 17, Reid announced in a follow-up statement that the Students’ Union does not have the legal means to prevent the society from attending […]