Youth Defence

Youth Defence
Formation July 1992
Type Social Conservative and Pro Life lobby group
Headquarters Dublin, Ireland
Spokesperson
 Niamh Uí Bhriain
Íde Nic Mhatúna
Website youthdefence.ie

Youth Defence is an Irish organisation that opposes legalisation of abortion. It was founded after the 1992 X case established abortion rights in the case of the mother's life being at risk. It shares offices with closely aligned Catholic Eurosceptic group Cóir.[1]

History

The organisation was founded in 1992 by a group of seven anti-abortion activists including Peter Scully, Niamh Nic Mhathúna, Úna Bean Nic Mhathúna and Una's husband Séamus Mac Mathúna.[2] Since then, Youth Defence has been to the forefront in campaigning for a pro-life referendum to reinstate full constitutional protection for Irish mothers and babies. [3] This has involved organising pro-life people across the country to lobby their local politicians, to send submissions to committees and to campaign at a grassroots level. Youth Defence members were described in 1992 by Irish radio and television broadcaster Brenda Power as "Bright-eyed, well-spoken, good-humoured, driven by that fierce inspiring youthful determination" and this quote continues to be used on the groups website. [4]

In 1997 Youth Defence picketed the home of Róisín Shortall and in 1999 the group the home of then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Both events generated negative publicity, including complaints of intimidation by protestors from neighbours of Róisín Shortall.[5][6] Archbishop Desmond Connell has kept his distance from the group, criticising its "American-style tactics".[7]

2012 anti-abortion campaign

In June 2012 Youth Defence began their "Abortion tears her life apart" campaign. This campaign consisted of billboard signs, posters, and many members of the group handing out flyers. The campaign was across many cities in Ireland. The campaign had already been featured in the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Evening Herald, the Daily Mail, and the popular Huffington Post, as well as on radio. Youth Defence comment at the time that feedback from the public has been excellent and that members of the public, who they argument were constantly bombarded with an anti-life agenda from the media, were glad to finally see a pro-life message out there. [8]

Pro-choice users of the website Broadsheet.ie encouraged supporters to call upon advertising companies to pull the adverts, saying that the text used misinformation.[9] Legal scholar and Labour Senator Ivana Bacik criticised Youth Defence's decision to show an 18-week-old aborted fetus on the billboard, "although 89 per cent of abortions take place before 13 weeks. The advertisements are grossly offensive."[10] TheJournal.ie later alleged that Youth Defence had breached copyright terms and conditions in using an image of a woman depicted on the posters, by failing to print a disclaimer that the billboard showed a posed model.[11] In response to the criticisms, one of Youth defence's founding members Niamh Ui Bhriain was invited to write an opinion piece for TheJournal.ie. In this article, Ui Bhriain wrote in defence of the campaign arguing that "abortion advocates don’t like the campaign because it does something that is usually avoided in most public discussions on this issue: it brings the reality of abortion into focus. The campaign simply says that abortion tears lives apart, and uses torn photographs for emphasis. The adverts were inspired by a woman who said that after her abortion, she felt as if her life, as well as that of her unborn child, was torn apart." [12]

On 6 December 2012, Youth Defence organised a "vigil for life" outside Leinster House in Dublin that was attended by several thousand people.[13] At the event, Dr Eoghan de Faoite of Youth Defence called the Taoiseach’s constituency office and left a message with the crowd shouting in unison: “Enda, keep your promise”. [14] The husband of Michaela McAreavey, John McAreavey sent a video message of support to the rally which was attended by a number of members of the catholic hierarchy including Bishop Michael Neary, Bishop Leo O’Reilly and Bishop Philip Boyce. [15] They had earlier attended a prayer service at which Archbishop Diarmuid Martin again reiterated his call for Government TDs be allowed a free vote on the abortion legislation. They were also involved in the "All Ireland Rally for Life" which took part in July 2013. Organisers had claimed that 60,000 people took part, though the police estimated that there were 35,000 participants. [16] The rally was organised to express opposition to the Government's commitment to legislate and introduce regulations to allow abortion if there is a real and substantial risk to a woman’s life, including the threat of suicide. It was attended by Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte who told the crowd he was "concerned" at the proposed legislation. "Ireland is almost unique in the Western world in looking out for, and fully protecting, two patients during a pregnancy – a mother and her unborn child," Mr Harte said. [17]

Attacks on Youth Defence Office

In February 2013, excrement was smeared on the door, locks and shutters of the Youth Defence office in an attack they have described as “grotesque and vile”.Clare Molloy of Youth Defence blamed abortion campaigners for the office attack and said they are ‘truly disgusting’ and they have now reached a new low. “This behaviour is beneath contempt, and I am saddened that such naked aggression and hatred is being displayed by abortion campaigners” she said. In November 2013, Youth Defence volunteers were shocked to find the window smashed on Saturday morning, with rocks and broken glass shards on the desks and chairs. "It was upsetting. I sit at that desk, where the rock came through the window. How can abortion campaigners think that this sort of behaviour adds anything to the debate?" said Claire Molloy of Youth Defence. "It's horrible, senseless violence and it has no part in the debate."[18] Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Youth Defence's sister organization the Life Institute said that the violent and abusive behaviour of pro-abortion campaigners was "utterly unacceptable" and should be strongly condemned by political leaders and abortion agencies, lest their silence been seen as tacit approval of vandalism, violence and abusive behaviour."If pro-life people behaved like this, there would be uproar, and rightly so. But when abortion campaigners engage in violence and vandalism there is silence from the political establishment and from abortion agencies. Clearly, these extremists and violent agitators are taking that silence to be an indication that their behaviour is acceptable and not something to condemn," said Ms Uí Bhriain.She called on the media to draw public attention to the attacks.This is the seventh attack on the pro-life office in just over a year - other attacks included gluing the locks shut, and, in a truly grotesque and disturbing incident, sticking photographs of Savita Halappanavar to the office with huge quantities of faeces. Following an aggressive protest organised by left-wing activists in the summer, the bins outside the Youth Defence office were set on fire in the following days. Ms Uí Bhriain said that the Life Institute and Youth Defence had compiled a file of serious incidents involving violent and abusive behaviour from abortion campaigners, with evidence from social media, security cameras and from eyewitnesses statements."This violence has to stop before someone is seriously injured or even killed by pro-abortion extremists," she said. "The Gardai are taking this matter very seriously and the additional evidence we've compiled should help their investigation." [19]

Billboard parked outside Rape Crisis Centre

On 27 June 2013, a Youth Defence billboard truck parked outside the Dublin Rape Crisis centre. A photo of the truck was posted to John Ryan's Broadsheet.ie website, sparking outrage online. AdMobile, the billboard company, said that the driver was taking a photograph of the truck as required by contract and was unaware of the nearness of the rape crisis centre. AdMobile also said they would no longer run ads for Youth Defence. In response to the incident Youth Defence stated they did not instruct the company to photograph the billboard outside the rape crisis centre with the group's spokesperson Clare Molloy stating “Youth Defence did not instruct the mobile ad to park anywhere on Leeson Street or on any other street for that matter”. She also added that the furore was a “horrible and exploitative effort by abortion campaigners to use rape victims to attack the pro-life message”. [20]

Website hacking incident

On 9 July 2013, Youth Defence's website was hacked and replaced with a message detailing allegations relating to the group.[21][22] At the same time, details from their subscriber list were also published, though they were later removed.[22] No organization has claimed responsibility[23][24] and a representative of Youth Defence has stated that complaints have been made to the Garda Síochána.[22] The group claimed the hackers had broken the Data Protection Act and that serious penalties would apply. “Aside from being illegal and utterly pointless, the actions taken by the person or persons who did this have breached the privacy of people on both sides of the debate,” said spokeswoman Clare Molloy. “Publishing private mailing lists should demonstrate, with utter finality, who the real extremists are in this debate”, she said. She described the claims made by the hackers as “juvenile” and “hysterical”. She said Youth Defence “is a successful and thriving organisation” and the hackers have been “reduced to screaming from the side lines and making up fairy stories.” [25]

National Convention for Life

Every year, Youth Defence organize a National Convention for Life where Pro-life activists in Ireland can meet and exhange ideas in a forum-like setting. On the April 12th 2014, Youth Defence in collaboration with the Life Institute will hold its annual National Convention for life in Dublin City. According to the Life Institute this event will provide pro-life activists in Ireland will an opportunity to: - Hear the strategy to overturn Enda Kenny's abortion legislation , Listen to Declan Ganley on political alternatives for Ireland , Hear pro-life TDs explain why they voted AGAINST the Abortion Act , Find out how Spanish pro-life activists turned back abortion on demand , Learn how Lila Rose is closing down the abortion industry , How whistleblower Jill Stanek caused a whole nation to rethink babies surviving abortion and why abortion numbers are down , Hear Luca Volonté, the European politician who took Enda Kenny to task on freedom of conscience , Meet the young abortion survivor using new media to spread his message , See a special message of hope from Fr Frank Pavone of Priests for Life , Enage with irish politics who voted against the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013. These politicians will include Mattie McGrath and Fidelma Healy Eames. [26]

Funding

The Irish Times reported in March 2013 that the Standards in Public Office Commission has been attempting to investigate Youth Defense's sources of funding, but that the organisation has thus far refused to cooperate.[27]

References

  1. ↑ "Youth Defence is telling lies, says minister". Irish Independent.
  2. ↑ "Young Bloods: The Nic Mhathúna Sisters". The Phoenix (magazine). 27 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Lobby - Youth". 2014.
  4. ↑ Killilea, Gayle (2012). "The man wired to fight abortion". The Irish Independent.
  5. ↑ Sheehan, Aideen (18 September 1999). "Anti-abortion group picket Ahern's home". Irish Independent. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  6. ↑ "Residents terrified by Youth Defence protest". Irish Independent. 5 December 1997. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  7. ↑ Killilea, Gayle (7 October 2001). "The man wired to fight abortion". Independent.ie. ...Justin Barrett, Youth Defence's chief spokesman and mastermind.
  8. ↑ "Youth Defence". Youthdefence.ie. 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  9. ↑ "Have You Got A Minute?". Broadsheet.ie. 2012-06-20. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  10. ↑ "Senator's criticism of abortion ads an 'odious abuse of taxpayer-funded privilege'". The Journal (Dublin). 28 June 2012.
  11. ↑ "Youth Defence under investigation over use of image in anti-abortion campaign". thejournal.ie. 2012-07-27. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  12. ↑ Ui Bhriain, Niamh (2013). "Column: These billboards simply bring the reality of abortion into focus". The Journal.
  13. ↑ Thousands attend "Vigil for life" at Leinster House, RTÉ News, 6 December 2012
  14. ↑ O'Connell, Hugh (2013). "Thousands Attend Pro-Life Vigil in Dublin". The Journal.
  15. ↑ Lyndsay, Telford (2013). "Thousands attend pro-life abortion rally in Dublin". The Irish Times.
  16. ↑ Thousands rally over abortion law in Dublin, RTÉ News, 7 July 2012
  17. ↑ "'Over 25,000' attend Pro-Life rally in Dublin". The Irish Examiner. 2013.
  18. ↑ "Pro-life group condemns attack on office as ‘grotesque and vile’". The Journal. 2013.
  19. ↑ "Latest News - Youth Defence". Retrieved 2014.
  20. ↑ "Billboard company discontinues Youth Defence campaign after Rape Crisis Centre incident". TheJournal.ie. 27 June 2013.
  21. ↑ "Youth Defence website hacked". TheJournal.ie. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  22. 1 2 3 Ó Caollaí, Éanna (9 July 2013). "Website of anti-abortion group Youth Defence hacked". Irish Times. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  23. ↑ "Youth Defence's website has been hacked". Silicon Republic. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  24. ↑ Neylon, Michele (9 July 2013). "Youth Defence Site Hacked". technology.ie. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  25. ↑ O Caollai, Eanna (January 19, 2013). "Website of anti-abortion group Youth Defence hacked". The Irish Times.
  26. ↑ "Current Projects - The Life Institute". The Life Institute. Retrieved 2014.
  27. ↑ "Anti-abortion groups ignored political watchdog queries". The Irish Times (Dublin). 2 March 2013. Retrieved 2013-03-03.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, May 07, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.