Belfast City Hall faces petition over planned abortion awareness illumination

A petition signed by over 17,000 people is calling on the Belfast City Council to cancel plans to illuminate City Hall in green on September 28. The council previously voted 11 to 3 in favor of the display to mark International Safe Abortion Day, with support from Sinn Féin, the Alliance, the SDLP, and the Green Party, while the DUP voted against the measure.

Pro-life organizations, including the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and Precious Life, have organized against the decision. Critics argue that public funds should not be used to promote abortion, which they characterize as a tragedy rather than a safe procedure. The petition further contends that the council’s support for the illumination contradicts its previous backing of Baby Loss Certificates, which recognize the loss of unborn children through miscarriage.

In addition to the petition, opponents of the council's decision have announced plans to hold a protest at City Hall on the day of the scheduled illumination.