The recent Ecumenical Memorial Service pinpoints the main problem with many organizations like the Feminist Front.

These groups have a tendency to parade and give speeches about open-mindedness and freedom.

On Sunday, however, the Feminist Front members demonstrated their marked inability to accept freedom of speech from a differing viewpoint and exhibited their colossal closed-mindedness.

Freedom of speech is the implicit right of all people in this country. This freedom includes both a freedom to be heard and a requirement to listen and allow others to exercise their right of free speech.

However, the Feminist Front seems to find it impossible to listen to an opposing viewpoint. As much as they wish to disbelieve, there are people who think abortion is wrong. That is their undeniable right and they should be allowed to express this.

In the same way, members of the Feminist Front should be allowed to speak out against anti-abortion legislation and other things they believe in.

However, this should not be allowed at the expense of others.

The Feminist Front members were rude. A group of people were trying to hold a serious memorial for a cause they care deeply about. The incident showed a lack of respect for the opinions of others.

I have a feeling that Jim Fabris would be the first to stand up and complain if he were treated so shabbily by an audience that he is speaking to.

This double standard is pervasive in this group. To quote Feminist Front leader Julie Stege from the article in Monday’s Northern Star, she thought the service was wrong because it was “a few people telling the rest of the people what to think.”

When has the Feminist Front ever been different? What is an organization that calls everything sexist, racist, and other “ist” words guilty of?

Double standards in a group of this nature is deplorable. This is ostensibly a group dedicated to freedom and the achievement of equality, but they cannot act in a manner befitting a free society.

Although I personally am pro-choice, I find myself unable to agree with the Feminist Front’s actions. This group needs to rethink its definition of freedom and learn to apply it from another’s point of view.

Stephen Honeywell

Senior

English