Free-Speech Campaigners to hold demonstrations 26th & 28th April
A group of concerned voters will be holding a highly visual demonstration outside upcoming hustings in Hackney. The group, led by human rights organisation Abort67, are calling out MP Dianne Abbott on her ‘buffer zones’ which attack freedom of speech in this nation.
Diane Abbott joined 15,000 protestors waving 'Stop Israel's War Crimes' banners outside the Israeli Embassy in London on 19th July 2014. Police formed a blockade to stop the group getting near the building. Diane Abbott had a legal right to stand outside the embassy. However, she has now introduced a parliamentary Early Day Motion which would criminalise speech outside BPAS and Marie Stopes abortion clinics. This is blatant hypocrisy.
If the buffer zones are agreed, unions will no longer be allowed to protest outside workplaces about employment conditions. NHS staff formed picket lines outside hospitals to stage a four-hour strike about wages on 24th November 2014. Buffer zones would block such protests.
Ruth Rawlins, Abort67 spokesperson for the demonstrations, said “Buffer zones outside abortion clinics will endanger free speech everywhere. Any controversial business will be applying to prevent picketers outside their premises to keep away disgruntled workers or activists. We must halt this movement of politicians trying to rob us of our civil liberties and stand together for free speech for all." |
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Appeal
Ruth appeals to as many as possible to come and support these demonstrations saying, "Please come and join us in the demonstration at the hustings. But please be early so as to be here BEFORE the media arrive.
The venues and times for the protest are:
Date: Sunday 26th April, 13:30
Address: Arcola Theatre, 38 Ashwin Street, Dalston E8 3DL
Date: Tuesday 28th April, 18:45
Address: St Mary's Church, Stoke Newington Church Street N16 9ES