Brisbane abortion rally cheers pro-choice candidate
By Tyrion Perkins
BRISBANE — More than 250 people rallied and marched for women's abortion rights on August 29. A rally organised by the Women's Abortion Campaign heard speakers including Susan Hocking, journalist from the Courier Mail, Dr Helen Kerr from the University of Queensland Health Service, Goretti Horgan, Irish abortion activist, and Unna Liddy, activist with the Women's Abortion Campaign.
The rally was chaired by Susan Price who announced her candidacy for the Democratic Socialist campaign in the seat of Brisbane Central in the up-coming Queensland state elections. Her announcement received strong support from the crowd, which held a noisy and spirited march around the streets of Brisbane.
The marched was designed to highlight Goss Labor government's refusal to its agenda. Goss recently stated that abortion rights are not an issue in Queensland, despite 66% of Queenslanders supporting a woman's right to choose.
"This government was elected on the promise that the abortion laws would be repealed", Susan Price told Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly. "They have betrayed the trust of Queensland people on this issue, just as they have done with the land rights legislation, decriminalisation of prostitution, and gay law reform.
"In this situation an alternative voice in Queensland politics becomes necessary. The Democratic Socialist Campaign seeks to provide that voice", Price said.
The Democratic Socialist campaign will be holding a forum on Wednesday, September 2, at 7 p.m., at the Resistance Centre, entitled "The Goss Government and Women", with guest speakers Susan Price and Unna Liddy. For more information, ring 358 4875.