(Source: Unplannedfilm.com)
A controversial movie screening will take place at Saint John High Friday night.
The movie ‘Unplanned’ tells the story of a Planned Parenthood employee who drastically changes her views on abortion, and becomes a pro-life supporter.
Heather Hughes, the executive director of the NB Right To Life Chapter, says although the topic of abortion is a contentious one, showing the movie is within their rights to freedom of speech.
“I think it’s being received for those that believe in the freedom of speech. I think that it’s going well.”
Hughes says coming to watch this movie is the same as seeing a movie anywhere else.
“You wouldn’t expect that there would be any kind of obstruction for the playing of this movie,” she said.
But Sara Beveridge, a concerned citizen, says the movie has no place being shown in Saint John.
“It directly attacks Planned Parenthood, which is even more terrifying with the current political climate, especially in the United States,” she said.
“It portrays Planned Parenthood as a profit-driven abortion factory, when in reality abortions comprise of only 3.4% of its activities,” said Beveridge, a fact which is backed up through the group’s most recent annual report.
Beveridge says she plans on holding a peaceful protest at the screening.
“I definitely felt that we owned it to the people that will be attending the screening to have the other side of the story. We’re absolutely going to be protesting it,” she said.
They also plan on going over to the Women’s health centre at St. Joseph’s for some material and information on abortion that they plan on handing out during the protest.
Hughes says while she understands holding a protest is also within the rights to freedom of speech, she just hopes there won’t be any confrontation and conflict.
No Place In Public School
Beveridge also says the screening has no place being shown at a high school, and is calling on the school district to take action.
“The superintendent Zoe Watson should be cancelling the film. Young people need information on all available pregnancy options,” she said.
Hughes explains that Saint John High was the only venue available at the time and day they wanted to show the event, and had no trouble with booking it.
“This was the venue that could host the movie at the day and the time that the organizers wanted to show it,” she said.
Beveridge still thinks it’s not an appropriate location.
“I just don’t think that a public school is the proper place to be screening this dishonest, religious propaganda,” she said.
She plans on sending a letter and petition to the superintendent calling for the cancellation of the movie.
Councillor David Hickey has also voiced his concern to the school district.
Earlier today I sent this to the @ASD_South Superintendent Zoe Watson. pic.twitter.com/fRdACDUa8h
— David Hickey (@DavidHickeyNB) August 21, 2019
The screening and subsequent protest will take place on Friday evening at 6:15 at Saint John High School.
