Carleton anti-abortion group to have student club funding cut off
On Monday, Carleton Lifeline, an anti-abortion group, was told by CUSA, the Carleton University Student Association, that it was in violation of CUSA’s anti-discrimination policy
The student association at Carleton University has decided that any club that is opposed to abortion has no place on campus and would have its funding as a student club cut off.
On Monday, Carleton Lifeline, an anti-abortion group, was told by CUSA, the Carleton University Student Association, that it was in violation of CUSA’s anti-discrimination policy.
The letter noted that Carleton Lifeline believes in the “equal rights of the unborn and firmly believes that abortion is a moral and legal wrong,” wrote Khaldoon Buhnaq of CUSA.
Therefore, because of CUSA’s commitment to choice, Carleton Lifeline can no longer promote activities on campus or even lobby in any way that would go against a pro-choice position. “It is ironic that they support choice and do not see that they not having an abortion is a choice,” said Ruth Lobo, president of Carleton Lifeline. The group’s lawyer, Albertos Polizogopoulos, said the CUSA decision “was appalling” as it violates the basic right to free speech. He and his clients are now considering possible legal action.
The CUSA letter does offer Carleton Lifeline a way out:
“We invite you to amend your constitution to create one that respects our anti-discrimination policy as laid out above. If you are able to resubmit a constitution that meets our criteria by Thursday, November 18th we will be able to certify your club for this semester.”
National Post