SPUC has expressed gratitude to pro-life DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr for his continued efforts in defending the right to life and for “speaking out with determination and conviction against abortion.”
SPUC’s message of thanks to the pro-life MP for North Antrim, comes following comments made by Mr Paisley to the Catholic Herald, where he commended pro-life Catholics for upholding the right to life.
Mr Paisley, a DUP MP for North Antrim, has been a powerful voice in promoting the right to life and defending unborn children and their mothers from the radical abortion regime enforced on Northern Ireland by Westminster earlier this year.
Liam Gibson, SPUC Northern Ireland Political Officer said: “Mr Paisley’s remarks in the Catholic Herald won’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows him or is familiar with Northern Ireland’s resistance to liberal abortion.
“Historically, even during the darkest periods of the Troubles, opposition to abortion was one of the few issues which united people across the religious divide. Nevertheless, everyone in the pro-life movement will be grateful to Mr Paisley for speaking out with such determination and conviction.
“It is very important that people hear from politicians who are not afraid to speak out against abortion. This is especially true at present when pro-life freedom of speech is increasingly coming under pressure. The recent threats made against Dr Lisa Cameron also shows just how hostile the political environment has become for pro-life MPs.”
Ian Paisley commends pro-life Catholics
Commending his Catholic constituents, Mr Paisley said: “What strikes me most is that they are unashamed and are never embarrassed about having a faith that promotes devotion and values family, children and life. These values are identical to my own beliefs…
“I’ve been a long-time campaigner for the protection of the rights of the unborn. It is without doubt that the strongest public and private encouragement I receive in this campaign has come from my Roman Catholic constituents.
“They are quite happy to tell me that they disagree with many aspects of my politics. But they say that’s easily put aside when they know I’m fighting faithfully on this matter. To hear them say this – either privately in whispers or more publicly – brings a wave of real encouragement and a sense that I am doing the right thing.”
800 letters from Roman Catholic constituents
Mr Paisley continued: “Just in the last six months, I’ve received over 800 letters and emails from constituents who are Roman Catholic offering support on this one issue. That cannot be overvalued….
“I am so grateful to them for sharing the same values about the right to life for the most vulnerable.”
“All people of goodwill should support the right to life”
Since Westminster politicians enforced a radical abortion regime onto Northern Ireland earlier this year, more than 129 unborn Northern Ireland children have been killed.
SPUC’s Mr Gibson added: “The right to life of the most vulnerable members of the human family is not a religious issue. It is something that every one of goodwill should be able to support, regardless of their religious affiliation or none. It is, however, very clear that people who profess a Christian faith have a particular responsibility to defend unborn children who cannot defend themselves. In the Gospel Christ explicitly tells his followers: ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Mt:25,40)
“Hopefully, Mr Paisley's article will encourage the pro-life movement in Northern Ireland to renew its commitment to the cause despite recent setbacks and encourage other politicians to speak out as well.”
If you would like to help SPUC repeal Westminster’s abortion regime, sign the petition here to Repeal Section 9.