Andy Drozdziak
A pro-life student group says it is ‘beyond disappointed’ with the University of Manchester Student Union after members of a pro life student society were threatened with rape and violence.
The Manchester Pro life Society’s first meeting, discussing its aims, ended in chaos after hundreds of pro-choice supporters shouted intimidating language and spat on the members when they emerged. Chants of “stay in there and die”, “you should be aborted” and “f*** you” were heard during the protest, whilst eggs were thrown at the window.
Responding to the scenes, Madeline Page, the Director of the Alliance of Pro-Life Students, called the scenes ‘the worst case of abuse’ she has seen in a decade.
“Students should never have to experience anything like this at university. Universities are supposed to be grounds where ideas are debated and tested, where students can forge their own conclusions through civil conversation. What happened last night was totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it,” she said.
“This is the worst case of abuse against pro-life students that I have seen in over a decade of working with similar pro-life groups.
“We are beyond disappointed by the abject failure of the University of Manchester and the Manchester Students’ Union to protect and uphold freedom of speech.”
The row erupted after the group was founded by three men and a petition was signed by 16,00 people in protest. Despite the protests, Manchester Student Union confirmed the new society’s right to exist, stating that that it was ‘officially affiliated as a society on 11th January 2024 in accordance with our society registration processes.’
Following the group’s first meeting, students were told by police to leave swiftly while they held back protesters and the students were forced to walk through a tunnel of pro-choice activists hurling abuse.
Maisie, a pregnant 22-year-old and former student of the university, said: “Leaving the building was the most terrifying part, we were surrounded and people were screaming in our faces. I really thought our lives were in danger. The crowd was extremely violent – spitting, throwing eggs, screaming and swearing. There were around 30 of us, and 300 of them. Most of them had their faces covered”.
Student Joachim, who attended the pro-life event, said: “[A student] was spat at, someone else was egged and one of the committee got a rape threat.”
Pro-life groups have come out in support of the students and called for action to be taken by the university. Executive Director of SPUC, Michael Robinson, told the Universe: “The increase in attacks on pro-life students, stalls and other anti-abortion initiatives on campuses in recent years is shocking. Those who engage in such disgusting acts of intimidation and abuse must be held accountable by universities,” Mr Robinson told the Universe.
“Students of all opinions must be protected. SPUC expects the University of Manchester to hold those to account for such unacceptable behaviour. “
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said:“The treatment these students received is appalling. These students should be allowed to discuss serious moral issues like abortion free from such vile verbal threats and physical intimidation”.
“Student pro-life groups are often the first opportunity people have to hear the pro-life view and this should not be denied by the threat of violence”.
Pictures: Right To Life UK