Confrontation strengthens pro-life group’s resolve
OTTAWA, ON—When members of the Carleton University student Lifeline group walked onto campus to peacefully raise awareness about abortion they knew they would face opposition. What they didn't realize was the impact that being wrongfully arrested would have on their lives or across the country.
In 2010 the group attempted to book public space for a display called the Genocide Awareness Project, which shows large, graphic images of aborted babies. Lifeline members planned to engage passers-by in conversation about abortion. Although non-pro-life groups had been given permission to use the location for displays, the university deemed the group's pictures and message offensive and refused to allow them.
"We had a lawyer going back and forth with them because we were not breaking any rules," explains Ruth (Lobo) Shaw, the group's president at the time. "We wanted to be able to dialogue with people about what they think of abortion, while showing them exactly what abortion is. On a university campus this is very important because that is the most likely age group to have an abortion in Canada."
Upon arriving on campus on October 4, 2010, Lifeline members were confronted by members of the Ottawa Police and the campus police. When they did not leave, five members were arrested for trespassing. A Vimeo video of the incident shows officers listening to Shaw read the group's rights to peacefully protest, then immediately handcuff her and lead her away.
"It was a very odd situation that really gave the impression it was more of an intimidation tactic than anything else," says Shaw. "According to their own policy we have the right to freedom of expression on the campus, as tuition paying students. I don't think they really thought through the ramifications of their actions."
When the group filed a lawsuit against the university in February, 2011, the Ottawa Police dropped the charges. When contacted by ChristianWeek, Carleton University and the Ottawa Police declined to comment on the incident.
"While it was a nerve-wracking experience, I also felt that the Lord had a plan, no matter what happens He would take care of us," Shaw says. "I was only called to speak the truth and whatever happens outside of that was part of His plan for my life. Often telling people the truth is the most loving thing you can do."
Shaw says there have been issues at other universities across Canada, but adds that none have taken actions as extreme as Carleton. She also says Carleton has allowed a few smaller pro-life projects in the years since.
"Because of all the negative attention, universities are much more hesitant to punish their pro-life students for sharing the pro-life message," she says. "There were so many people who contacted us and told us they were inspired and wanted to do more. That was one of our goals. I hoped that if people could see ordinary students doing extraordinary things they would think, 'I'm an ordinary person; is God calling me to do extraordinary things?'"
Shaw's husband James, who was also arrested, says the experience taught him the importance of following your convictions and doing what God calls you to do.
"I learned that just a couple people can make a huge difference. Five people were arrested and a national conversation happened afterwards. If anything it made us more resolute to continue bringing the issue into the national consciousness and help people see abortion for what it really is."
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