Massive pro-life demonstrations to be organized in Spain – Catholic World Report

The Assembly of Associations for Life, Freedom and Dignity, consisting of more than 140 civil society organizations in Spain, met on June 22 and announced massive demonstrations against the “ideological agenda” of the current government, which was formed by a far-left coalition between the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and Podemos. The pro-life umbrella group plans massive demonstrations against the country’s euthanasia law passed in March, and at the same time will launch a People’s Legislative Initiative (ILP) to rescind the euthanasia law and replace it with one on palliative care. In addition, the group will work to block the passage of a bill that would criminalize sidewalk counseling or demonstrating by pro-lifers near abortion clinics. A People’s Legislative Initiative, also known as a citizens’ initiative, is a provision under the Spanish Constitution whereby citizens can propose a law to be passed. A committee proposing the law first presents the ILP to the Congress of Deputies (lower house). If the Congress accepts the ILP for consideration, then a nine-month period begins, extendable for three more months, for proponents to gather the required 500,000 signatures. If the signature campaign is successful, then the initiative is introduced in Congress to be debated in committee. If approved, it goes to a full session of the Congress which decides if the proposed law can go forward in the legislative process.

Massive pro-life demonstrations to be organized in Spain – Catholic World Report