Student Union Passes Pro Choice Motion

A motion by University College London's (UCL) Student Union which demands balance is given to abortion issues has been passed.

The motion forces all societies to invite pro choice speakers to pro life events and vice versa.

The proposal, which was passed this afternoon says: “Any future open events focusing on the issue of termination invite an anti-choice speaker and a pro-choice speaker as well as an independent chair, to ensure there is a balance to the argument.”

The motion criticises the Catholic society for advertising a 'discussion' on abortion which only featured one pro life speaker. The motion means the Student Union officially adopts a pro choice stance.

Speaking to the Catholic Herald, Liam O’Hara, a PhD student at University College London said he was “disturbed” by the "draconian measures".

The head of democracy and communications at UCLU, James Skuse said: "In an open debate there has to be a balance of speakers and an impartial chair...This union is pro choice for a student's right to choose how they might take their pregancy forward and to provide support for them".

The news comes soon after another religious controversy at the university. UCL's Atheist Society caused complaints and, in some cases, outrage among Christians and Muslims by posting a cartoon on their Facebook page which showed "Jesus and Mo" having a drink at a bar.

The president of the Atheist Society, Robbie Yellon has since stepped down. Michael Paynter, secretary for the National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student Societies said: "He [Robbie] did not appreciate the stress he would be under when dealing with a controversy like this, so he wanted to make way for someone else."