CALGARY, AB, March 29, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A day after a heated abortion debate at U of C, Campus Pro-Life (CPL) returned for a repeat showing of twelve 4×8 foot bloody images from the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) yesterday.
Monday, students were visibly shocked by the gruesome abortion and historical genocide images, prompting many stares and questions. Word spread quickly on campus, with students sending text messages on their phones to their friends to “check out” the controversial exhibit.
“We were impressed by the number of conversations,” said CPL Secretary Matt Wilson. “Many students came back several times throughout the day. We achieved our goal of re-igniting discussion on this taboo topic.”
Although there have been incidents of violence from pro-choice individuals towards the signs-at UBC in 1999 and Calgary in 2005-Monday’s display went ahead without disruption. Security fencing and uniformed guards helped maintain the peaceful presence.
The university administration erected advisory signs around the parameter of the display, stating, “The exhibit is protected under the relevant sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms related to Freedom of Expression.”
CPL Vice President Drew Brown stated, “While the university may not share the view of CPL, their provision of security and protection of our fundamental freedoms sets an example for universities across the country. Several Canadian pro-life clubs have been denied their right to display GAP like CPL did yesterday. We commend the University for recognizing our Charter rights.”
The same, however, could not be said for their Student Union (SU). The SU refused to allow Monday’s display on the South Lawn, an outdoor area of the university that it controls. The student society at UBC in Vancouver took a similar position of opposition to GAP several years ago. Brown remarked, “It is ironic that our message is being suppressed by the very society that is supposed to represent us. While our club is sanctioned by the SU, it’s being censored by it too. As students we’re forced to pay membership to a union that is not willing to represent its own students’ fundamental freedom of expression.”