Media Release

SA Lower House stifles freedom

Freedom to assemble, speak and pray is fundamental to a free society.

The Australian Christian Lobby said today that the passage of the Health Care (Safe Access) Amendment Bill 2020 by the State Legislative Assembly – and the rejection of an amendment moved by Minister Speirs to allow silent prayer in a zone – marked a significant stifling of these fundamental freedoms.

“The Bill was passed by relying on unsubstantiated allegations of abuse and harassment near abortion clinics,” ACL State Director Christopher Brohier said today. “In truth, the people who meet expectant mothers outside abortion clinics offer prayer and material support to help these mothers keep their babies. There have been many success stories.

“That the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and the Attorney-General voted for the Bill and more especially against the amendment to allow silent prayer, shows that we are moving to a State where the only voices that may be heard are those that support ending the life of the unborn and funnelling women into years of abortion grief.

“The Upper House must carefully review and amend this Bill to, at least, allow for silent prayer.”

The ACL called on the State’s Upper House to amend the Bill to allow for silent prayer in a zone.

ENDS

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