SPUC seeks legal advice after SNP cancels fringe event on coerced abortion

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is seeking legal advice after the Scottish National Party (SNP) cancelled a fringe event at its conference. The event, which was intended to discuss the issue of coerced abortion, was abruptly removed from the conference schedule. The three-day SNP conference is set to begin in Aberdeen on 15 October.

Christian and pro-life groups had raised concerns ahead of the conference, following the leak of a draft motion that would implement the recommendations of the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group. This group, which excluded pro-life voices and was committed to the principle of “non-regression” on abortion, proposed removing abortion from the scope of criminal law. Critics argue this would effectively legalise abortion up to the point of birth for any or no reason.

Despite the SNP’s decision to drop plans to vote on the motion at its conference, which SPUC welcomed as a “positive decision,” the pro-life group was still denied the opportunity to present its views. Now, SPUC is seeking legal guidance, asserting that the cancellation of its event constitutes a breach of the Equality Act.

A SPUC spokesperson stated, “The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children have been in contact with SNP conference organisers, including the Party’s Chief Executive, since August and there was at no point any issue of concern raised.” The statement condemned the cancellation as a violation of free speech, drawing a parallel to totalitarian regimes and asserting that “the rule of the mob has replaced the rule of law within the SNP.”

The SNP responded by stating that the decision to revoke permission for the event was made following concerns raised by its members. They emphasized their desire for the conference to be a space where all members feel comfortable, acknowledging that their initial decision did not achieve this.

Source: Read the original report