News

By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 12, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The University of Auckland pro-life group, Prolife Auckland, today announced their successful affiliation at the University of Auckland.

The announcement comes on the heels of the group's recent overturning of a policy discriminating against pro-life groups at the university. Since 2002, anyone wanting to start a pro-life club on campus has had only one opportunity every 365 days, at an annual general meeting, to try and gain official club status, whereas any other club simply had to apply at a Student Forum, which takes place weekly.

“The ruling had clearly been discriminatory and designed to shut down debate on abortion,” said Prolife Auckland President Simeon Brown. “It was amazing to have overturned it.”

The pro-life group affiliated this afternoon at the Auckland University Students Association (AUSA) forum. Debate occurred over whether the pro-life group should affiliate, with those in favor arguing that all students should have the right to choose what they believe and to express their views on campus.

A vote was taken, with 89 votes in favor, 33 opposed and 8 abstentions. With a majority, the pro-life club was affiliated and now has the same status as every other AUSA club, being able to use club space, apply for grants and operate on campus.

“We've been working to affiliate for over six months,” Brown observed. “It's been a hard struggle, but we've finally succeeded.”

“This is a victory for common sense and freedom of expression more than anything, as well as an acknowledgment that pro-life is a valid perspective,” concluded Mr Brown.

 

See previous LSN coverage:

Discrimination against New Zealand Pro-Life Club by Student Union Overturned
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/mar/10032501.html