A small number of our group “supporting women Newry “ again stood on Hill Street Newry to oppose the actions of precious life and associates who have been harassing and intimidating women attending a NHS clinic in our city.this clinic provides a range of services accessed by men, women and children.Some of these people insulted and shouted at us about killing babies and sinners. At one point a man within their crowd shouted loudly “Newry its time you turned your back on your wicked ways”They were reminded our primary purpose is not to discuss abortion.
All the people there are not from precious life, there are a number of other groups standing with them. Precious life were without doubt the aggressors within the group today as we remained dignified at all times.We stood silently as a man with a microphone loudly informed us we were sinners and the Antichrist.
We don’t engage with hate but thankfully we were able to request an opportunity to engage with 2 of the more reasonable pro life men to discuss our request,which remains steadfast ,that the protest is taken away from the clinic.They disassociated themselves from precious life and the practices they use.Whilst we reached no firm agreement at this time we have agreed to further engagement.We left those people in good grace.
We had to listen to aggressive preaching from precious life today whilst we held ourselves with dignity in a much scaled back, covid compliant counter action. We were merely conscientious observers showing our opposition to totally unacceptable behaviour.Newry supporting women will continue to be present at JMP clinic to show our complete opposition until statutory agencies step up to the mark and end this.
We do not stoop to the level of aggression and verbal insults we had thrown at us today. We call on the SHSCT to take immediate action to protect their staff from further harassment and intimidation.Common sense must prevail to ensure the protection of Women and staff using the services in John Mitchel place.
Cara Malone on behalf of supporting women Newry
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 