Pro-life groups plan protest against Belfast City Hall illumination

Pro-life organizations Precious Life and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) have announced plans to protest at Belfast City Hall on September 28. The demonstration is in response to a decision by the Belfast City Council to illuminate the building in green to mark International Safe Abortion Day. The council approved the measure in an 11-to-3 vote, with support from Sinn Féin, the Alliance, the SDLP, and the Green Party, while the DUP voted against the proposal.

Representatives from the protesting groups have criticized the use of public resources for the display. Bernadette Smyth of Precious Life described the illumination as a promotion of abortion, arguing that the procedure causes harm to both women and unborn children. Michael Robinson of SPUC stated that the council should not use public funds to support a divisive issue, calling for the city to instead focus on unity regarding the protection of life. Supporters of the protest are being encouraged to contact local councillors and attend the event to voice their opposition.