FFL Ads Result in Discrimination Against Pro-Life Student Group

Youth Protecting Youth, a pro-life student group at University of Victoria, British Columbia, paid a heavy penalty for posting Feminists for Life's College Outreach ads on campus. Last week, they lost their funding.

The University of Victoria Student Society has accused YPY of "harassment," citing a petition of "thirty-odd" names and a few anonymous complaints that pro-life advocacy "inherently discriminates" against women, and this week revoked YPY's official club status.

Tara Paterson of Students for Choice complained, "I think the posters are absolutely manipulative and extremely offensive, particularly for female students on campus."

"One wonders why these ads produce such a reaction," said FFL President Serrin M. Foster. What's so scary about resources and support?"

The copy of this ad reads:

IS THIS THE FACE OF THE ENEMY?
Abortion advocates pit women against our children.
But lack of emotional or financial support is the real enemy.
Feminists for Life believes that women should not feel forced to sacrifice
our children for an education or a career.
If you would like to work on securing non-violent choices for women or need
information on pregnancy resources, please contact us.
Refuse to Choose^® Women Deserve Better^®

The copy of this ad reads:

WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO MY FACE?
Would you tell me that I never should have been born?
That is the message sent when people talk about aborting "gross fetal anomalies."
People who overcome adversity inspire, challenge, and enrich our world.
It's time to question abortion.^®

"Yeah. That's pretty scary stuff. Perhaps the student union is afraid of an informed woman," said Foster.

"Abolitionists and first-wave pro-life feminists dealt with people who tried to silence them. Their censors didn't succeed and neither will those who oppose freedom of thought, conscience, opinion, and expression today," said Foster. "We applaud the British Columbia Civil Liberties Union for defending this student group," Foster added.

Feminists for Life stands in solidarity with the Youth Protecting Youth, supporting their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. "We object to the gag rule imposed on Youth Protecting Youth for posting Feminists for Life ads," Foster said. "We will do what we can to support the courage of these students. I know we can count on Feminists for Life members stand ready to demonstrate their support.

"We can't be silent when pro-life students are bullied by people masquerading for choice."