Press Room

Shame on Saskatchewan for moving to ban pro-life witnessing

Hamilton, November 12, 2021 – Campaign Life Coalition denounces a Saskatchewan bill that would ban pro-life free speech outside of provincial hospitals that commit abortions.  

“The Public Health (Safe Access to Hospitals) Amendment Act, 2021 (Bill 48) would strip pro-life advocates of their democratic right to freely and peacefully witness to the sanctity of human life outside of Saskatchewan hospitals where abortions are committed,” said Jeff Gunnarson, National President of Campaign Life Coalition.  

“Censorious ‘bubble zone’ laws strip Canadian citizens of their rights and freedoms and have no place in a free and democratic society,” he added. 

The bill, which would amend the public health act, was introduced into the Saskatchewan legislature on November 10. It would create a 50-metre “safe access zone” around provincial hospitals. While lawful labour picketing will still be allowed within these zones, Health Minister Paul Merriman said the bill would apply to any non-union protest, including those regarding abortion. Merriman said this despite acknowledging that demonstrations around abortion, from both sides of the issue, have been nowhere near as problematic as protests regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.  

“It’s simply shameful to see a relatively pro-life government — both Premier Scott Moe and Health Minister Paul Merriman identify as pro-life — introduce legislation that attacks pro-life free speech,” said Josie Luetke, CLC’s Youth Coordinator.   

“This legislation actively thwarts pro-life attempts to save lives. If it passes, the blood of preborn children will be on the lawmakers’ hands.”  

Luetke pointed out that the neighbouring province of Manitoba recently voted down Bill 207 that targeted pro-life speech.  

“Manitoba has shown principled leadership on free speech. We urge Saskatchewan to follow suit and reject this bill that censors pro-life speech and criminalizes the constitutionally-protected actions of pro-life citizens,” she said. 

About Campaign Life Coalition   
Campaign Life Coalition is a national, non-profit organization involved in political action and advocacy for legal and cultural change in Canada with respect to protecting human life & the family. For more info visit www.campaignlifecoalition.com 

Media Contacts  

Jeff Gunnarson, President, Campaign Life Coalition, 519-835-8201, [email protected]   

Josie Luetke, Youth Coordinator, Campaign Life Coalition, 800-730-5358, ext. 220, [email protected]  

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