Belfast City Hall was not lit up Monday to celebrate abortion after a Democratic Unionist Party challenge put the plan on hold.
Meanwhile, pro-life supporters prepared to march to the civic landmark carrying lights for unborn children.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland had asked the council to illuminate the hall in green on September 28 for the so-called Safe Abortion Day. Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approved the request in August, and the full council later ratified it over opposition from unionist parties and pro-life groups.
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The DUP then used a council call-in procedure on both procedural grounds and disproportionate community impact grounds. The council said it is seeking legal opinion on the merits of that challenge. Because the process will not be completed Monday, the lighting of the hall will not go ahead as planned.
A private citizen who wishes to remain anonymous has also lodged a lawsuit against the decision. An open letter signed by Christian and pro-life groups, including Precious Life, had urged the council to reject the illumination.
Precious Life said more than 20,000 people signed a petition opposing use of City Hall to celebrate killing babies in abortion. The group planned a peaceful Choose Life event Monday at 6:15 p.m., with supporters gathering at Donegall Place opposite Primark before walking to City Hall carrying lights as a public witness for unborn children.
“Tonight we are bringing our CHOOSE LIFE witness to Belfast City Hall because this is about much more than a building,” said Bernadette Smyth, director of Precious Life. “City Hall is a civic landmark belonging to everyone in Belfast, and we believe it should represent and unite our whole community.
“Whatever happens with the proposed illumination, we want the message of those who stand for the protection of unborn life to be seen and heard. We will stand peacefully, carrying our lights as a sign that every human life has value and that the unborn child must not be forgotten.”
Smyth said: “We welcome the fact that the Council’s decision is currently on hold while the call-in process and associated legal questions are considered. We also welcome the legal challenge that has been brought and believe these matters deserve proper scrutiny.
“But tonight is about making a peaceful public witness. We are asking people from across Northern Ireland to come together, bring their families and friends, carry a light and stand with us for life.”
She added: “We have seen thousands of people make their voices heard throughout this campaign. Tonight, we will continue to make that voice visible in the heart of Belfast. We will walk together. We will stand together. And we will shine a light for the unborn child who has no voice. Whatever happens next, Precious Life will continue to stand for life, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and ensure that the voice of the unborn child is not forgotten.”
