University College London Union attacks free speech and free association of pro-lifers

Restrictions have been imposed on The University College London Catholic Society following a vote organised by the Student Union Yesterday. A majority of voters, representing less than 10 percent of the entire UCL student body, voted in agreement with UCLU that the Catholic Society group should be banned from having pro-life speakers in any open event unless there is also a pro-choice speaker there. The Catholic Society will also be required to notify the union in advance of any such event. Another motion which was approved in the vote was that UCLU would now be affiliated to Abortion Rights. In the vote yesterday student societies opposed to abortion were branded as an “anti-choice”.

The national pro-life charity LIFE has condemned the move by UCLU to curtail freedom of expression and association at the University.

LIFE Spokesperson Michaela Aston says “The language used here suggests that closed minds, illiberal attitudes and petty intolerance are behind these motions. Many student unions around Britain have been adopting policies to restrict the expression of pro-life views. UCLU are now taking this petty authoritarianism a step further, pursuing a vendetta against pro-life groups with the weak justification of ensuring “balance”.

A formal affiliation of UCLU with the national Abortion Rights campaign, as suggested in other motions, is one thing; but for the UCLU to actually attack the basic democratic freedoms of those who disagree with them is entirely unacceptable and brings the UCLU into disrepute.

Let's be clear: this is a direct assault on freedom of speech and freedom of association, targeted at pro-life societies simply because they disagree with the student union on the ethics of abortion. Forcing a student society to have an opposing speaker and an “independent” moderator whenever it discusses a particular issue would severely disrupt the ability of the society to conduct its affairs as it chooses.”