Dublin’s “obscene” celebration of abortion has been rebuked by Senators, TDs and Councillors.
Mansion House and Trinity College were illuminated in green to mark ‘International Safe Abortion Day’ on 28 September, despite reports that neither the council nor the public were consulted.
Abortions in the Republic of Ireland have surpassed 10,000 a year for three years in a row, with 10,600 babies killed last year.
‘Degrading’
The Christian Institute’s Director Ciarán Kelly called the display a “vile act”, saying: “10,000 plus abortions a year is a tragedy to be mourned, not celebrated.”
Independent TD Carol Nolan described it as “an obscene gesture” and “a symbol of how degraded the appreciation of innocent human life has become”.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín stated: “The use of the phrase International Safe Abortion Day will shock many people, there is no such thing as a safe abortion. The life of an individual living human being is taken in every abortion.”
He emphasised: “We need greater support for women experiencing crisis pregnancies, improved maternity care, better disability services and practical assistance for families facing difficult circumstances. These are areas where society can unite rather than divide.”
‘Sad reflection’
Senator Rónán Mullen lamented: “It’s a sad reflection on all involved. Our country and our world was never more in need of a message of peace, human respect and non-violence. This gesture represents the exact opposite.
“Abortion is about despair and destruction, and the sooner people realise it, the sooner we can get to a better place, and the sooner people can find healing.”
Councillor Malachy Steenson added that there was “no public demand for this stunt” or council approval, even though the “Mansion House belongs to the taxpayer and the people of Dublin”.
Pro-life
But a similar display did not go ahead in Northern Ireland at Belfast City Hall, following calls for a legal review of the city council’s plan.
Several hundred pro-lifers, who were gathered outside the building in protest, rejoiced as the building was only lit with standard lighting as darkness fell.
A petition against the proposals had reached over 20,000 signatures, in addition to hundreds of email complaints to the council.
Poll: Almost half of Irish adults support abortion reflection period