OTTAWA, April 15, 2008 – The Catholic Civil Rights League is proud to support the national March for Life, which takes place May 7 to 9 in Ottawa. Events include a youth conference and the annual Rose Dinner as well as the walk and rally on Parliament Hill.

“The right to life is the most fundamental of all civil rights, and the League has always recognized that where this right is not supported and upheld, all other rights are weaker,” said League Executive Director Joanne McGarry. “We’re pleased to be able to provide recognition and some support to events focused on this issue. We also hope to see some balanced media coverage of the walk.”

The League has observed an increase in both the quantity of media coverage about abortion over the past year, as well as an effort in many newspapers to include pro-life as well as “pro-choice” viewpoints. While much of this stemmed from the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Morgentaler decision, some of it also related to publicity surrounding university student unions that deny official club status to pro-life groups and cancel campus debates. In the latter case, it’s quite possible these blatant attempts to stifle free speech served as a wake-up call in some quarters. University students show a disturbing lack of regard for the spirit of true debate when equal status is granted to only one side of a contentious issue.

Those hoping to attend the March for Life in a group should contact a pro-life organization in their area.

Renewed pressure for liberalized euthanasia law

About CCRL
 
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.

For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca