I attended a counter-protest in
Galway yesterday evening, as Galway Pro-Choice and NUIG Choice Society held a
demonstration calling for the 8th Amendment to be appealed. As an alumnus of NUIG Life Society I felt it
my duty to be there, to show the general public that not all NUIG students and
alumni wished to have the right to kill the most vulnerable in society – the
unborn child. Our protest was quiet, yet strong. We didn’t shout or chant, we
didn’t physically or verbally abuse anyone, we didn’t break the law in any way;
we simply presented our side of the debate, civilly and peacefully. As they stood on Eyre Square, and clapped and
cheered, we stood too – quietly and unobtrusively. As they marched down Shop
Street, we marched too – steadily and unashamedly. After all, who would be
ashamed of standing up for the most precious right of all – the right to life?
Sadly to say, the pro-abortion
marchers found it very difficult to bear our presence. One of them raced up to
a girl holding high a poster saying ‘Love them both’ and ripping it from her
hands, torn it up – as her fellow marchers applauded and cheered. A Choice
cyclist repeatedly obstructed us, driving into our banner, and showering us
with vile obscenities; our banner was continually assailed by individuals
attempting to destroy it. Others physically rammed into us, trying to push us
off the street and out of their way. They chanted ‘Pro-Life People, Go Away!’ and
at times, we felt seriously intimidated.
This debate is one clearly where
rationale and respect is clearly needed. Any debate hears equally both sides. Added
to this, the situation at the moment involves a baby struggling to live, and an
at-risk young woman. Above any time, sensitivity, clear-thinking and a strict
adherence to our fundamental, inalienable rights is vital. My experience
yesterday showed me a mob of jeering pro-abortion protestors who disregarded
freedom of opinion, and simply wanted us, with our small quite protest, off the
streets. Let’s not be fooled by subjective, emotional rhetoric; let’s not be
fooled by their professed deep care for a migrant woman. Yesterday they shouted
obscenities at us, ripped our posters, and threatened physical abuse – remember
that actions speak much louder than words.
