NOW
President gives Speech at Jesuit
Loyola University
Pro-Lifers & bishop object
March 20, 2002
New Orleans, LA (AP)
-- The president of the pro-abortion National
Organization for Women said Wednesday night that Loyola University
exhibited "true courage'' in inviting her to speak despite dissent from
Roman Catholic leaders and other pro-life advocates over her support of
abortion.
About 50 protesters gathered outside the Loyola auditorium, some holding
signs saying the Catholic institution was supporting abortion by
allowing the speech. The local chapter of Priests for Life took out an
ad in The New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper titled "Shame on
Loyola University.''
During her speech, NOW President Kim Gandy only briefly discussed
abortion. She told those in attendance that if too many pro-life federal
judges were appointed, their rulings would weaken laws that created the
so-called right to abortion.
Isabel Medina, a law school professor who helped set up Gandy's
appearance, said the university was not endorsing Gandy's views by
holding the event.
Gandy, a north Louisiana native who graduated from Loyola law school in
1978 and worked in New Orleans for a decade, said she was surprised by
the debate surrounding her visit.
"I speak at law schools and universities all over the country ... and
have literally never received a reception like this,'' said Gandy, who
was given a public service award Wednesday night for distinguished
graduates of the law school.
New Orleans Archbishop Alfred Hughes last week said he opposed Gandy's
talk and called NOW "an organization that advocates an extremist
pro-abortion agenda.''
"Her beliefs are contrary to the clear and unambiguous teachings of the
Catholic Church,'' Hughes said. Hughes said he is holding meetings with
the Rev. Bernard Knoth, president of Loyola, on the matter.
Real estate developer Joe Canizaro, who has pledged $1 million to the
school, also criticized the school's decision to let Gandy speak.
End of article. |