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STUDENT PRO-LIFE GROUP INVESTIGATED FOR 'HATE CRIME'

OTTAWA, Mar 1, 2001 (LSN.ca) - An Ottawa pro-life youth group with chapters at the two Ottawa universities has been under intense harassment for their efforts to set up a debate on abortion. Carleton University Womyn's (sic) Centre objected to the debate after learning that the pro-life side would be represented by famed U.S. pro-life apologist Scott Klusendorf, of Stand to Reason. Ottawa Youth for Life at Carleton U. found themselves accused of 'homophobia' since the university's Womyn's Centre found that Klusendorf's website has links to Christian organizations that discuss homosexuality.

Like all reliable Christian responses to homosexuality, the sites condemn the behaviour while advocating love for those with such inclinations. Nevertheless, the Womyn's centre complained to the university administration and the Ottawa police. Unbelievably, an officer from the hate crimes unit of the police called representatives of the group to come to the police station for investigation of the allegations. The police also called Klusendorf's house in California and spoke to his wife. Furthermore, Klusendorf was held up at the border for over an hour of interrogation.

Carleton University's student government organization called in the pro-life group, threatening to revoke their official club status based on the false charge of homophobia. However, when the pro-life group showed up with legal counsel, the Womyn's centre's plans were thwarted.

Yesterday Klusendorf made a presentation at Ottawa University and then held a debate at Carleton U. At Ottawa U. the Ottawa Youth for Life had received permission and paid for space in a commons area of the university to present a video, have Klusendorf speak, and then open up the floor for questions. The event attracted a large crowd but when the video depicting the results of abortion was to be shown, Rosanne Lepine from the university's Women's Resource Centre pulled the plug and refused to release it. Much commotion followed with some individuals shouting obscenities at Klusendorf and the directors of the pro-life group. Eventually university administration, security and the Ottawa police arrived. It was decided that the presentation would be moved to a small room where the video would be permitted. Given the commotion approximately 60 students jammed the room to see the 4 minute video and hear Klusendorf's talk. The question and answer period was brimming with students seeking information, and quite a few students approaching the pro-life group to sign up.

Klusendorf then went to Carleton University where he was to debate Cherie MacDonald, of the Ontario Coalition of Abortion Clinics. When he arrived, MacDonald said she was refusing to debate since she was unaware that a well-known debater was her opponent. However, she later changed her mind and was given opportunity to debate before some 250 students. The debate was a no-contest win for Klusendorf, with another list of new names for participation in the pro-life group.

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