DEMONSTRATE
"Most visible of the anti-abortion groups, fearless, commitment beyond doubt"
Mary Cummins, The Irish Times, 1993
Since our foundation it was obvious that Youth Defence was a very distinct kind of pro-life group, being streetwise, vocal and very active.
We believe the people should make their voices heard. Public demonstration is an indication of public feeling. After the upheaval of the X case, YD organised and gave a structured voice to the pro-life majority in Ireland.
Our public demonstrations include massive pro-life rallies beginning in 1992 which brings thousands of people together against abortion; regular Life Days which line busy streets with ultra-sized pics of the baby in the womb; a yearly commemoration for children killed by abortion which has got front page media coverage because of its dramatic and innovative nature, and high-profile pickets on organisations and politicians who want to foist legal abortion on Ireland.
The Rally for Life has now become a yearly event organised in conjunction with our sister group Precious Life. It's a day for everyone to get together and make a lot of noise of the singing and chanting sort. While it's a very important display of support for pro-life laws, it's also a lot of craic!
In our democracy, the primary duty of government is to serve the Irish people. If it fails in that duty, it is our right to remind that under our constitution the Irish people are sovereign and the arbitrators of our own destiny.
