The annual all Ireland pro-life rally, which took place on Sat July 3rd in Belfast, was well attended and was supported by groups and individuals from all over Ireland. It is estimated that the rally drew an attendance of about 4000.
Photograph 1 shows some of the SPUC members who were in attendance and photograph 2 shows the general attendance
Dr Philip Boyce DD Bishop of Raphoe sent a strong pro-life message in support of the event "
Life is our most precious gift. The ‘All-Ireland Rally for Life’ is a celebration of life. To attend or take part in it in any way is a worthwhile endeavour to pursue as Catholics. We stand up for God's gift of life"
The rally which gathered at Custom House Square in Belfast processed to Belfast City Hall and returned to Custom House Suare where it was addressed by the organizers and invited guests Fr Sylvester Mann Priests for Life Ireland and The Reverend George Hargreaves of the UK Christian Party . The rally was reminded that international pressure was being brought to bear on Ireland’s pro-life laws including through the ABC case sponsored by the Irish Family Planning Association currently before the European Court of Human Rights and the legislation promised by Health Minister Mary Harney on the human embryo.
Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute told the rally that the most immediate threat to Ireland’s pro-life ethos was the proposed legislation on the human embryo being brought forward by Health Minister Mary Harney in the autumn. Ms Uí Bhriain said that the rally message to governments north and south was:
“You will not kill our children, at any stage, in any place, not in our country and not in our name”.
Next year's rally will be in Dublin
