By Joshua Howe, Australian Christian Lobby NSW Director
Last week, thousands gathered outside the NSW Parliament to stand for the dignity of every human life and support the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Sex Selection Prohibition) Bill.
It was an encouraging display of conviction and courage.
Families, church leaders, young people, nurses, tradies, students and grandparents stood together to send a simple message: sex-selective abortion has no place in New South Wales.
I had the privilege of addressing the crowd and sharing a message that has stayed with me throughout this campaign:
“CULTURAL CHANGE HAPPENS BECAUSE EVERYDAY PEOPLE SPEAK FOR THE VOICELESS”
Throughout history, God has used ordinary men and women to achieve extraordinary things.
The pro-life movement is no different.
Cultural change does not happen because a handful of politicians speak.
It happens because thousands of everyday Australians decide that silence is not an option and choose to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
“FINAL OUTCOME OF BILL IS UNCERTAIN AMID ENCOURAGING SIGNS”
That was the spirit of the rally, and it is the spirit we need in the weeks ahead.
Debate on the bill began in the Legislative Council for on Wednesday evening.
It follows a study by two universities that found clear evidence of a disproportionate number of unborn baby girls being terminated in NSW.
While the final outcome of the proposed law remains uncertain, there are encouraging signs.
AT LEAST ONE LABOR MP WILL SUPPORT THE BILL
Recently, the ACL and other pro-life organisations met with Labor MLC Stephen Lawrence to discuss the bill and the broader ethical issues it raises.
During Wednesday’s debate, Mr Lawrence confirmed he will support the bill at the second reading stage and declared: “We must draw a line in the sand.”
His contribution was thoughtful and significant.
Mr Lawrence argued that while sex-selective abortion may occur in relatively small numbers, Parliament should reject the practice and establish clear legal protections against it.
Most importantly, he recognised that advances in technology are forcing society to confront profound ethical questions and that there are some lines we should not cross.
HEAT IS TURNING ON NSW NATIONAL PARTY MPs
Frankly, I never expected to find myself more confident about Labor votes on this bill than National Party votes.
The numbers remain close.
Several members remain publicly undecided, and attention is increasingly turning to the NSW Nationals MLCs, who are each yet to announce their public position on the legislation.
THIS COULD BE A SIGNIFICANT PRO-LIFE LEGISLATIVE VICTORY
Debate will continue in what is known as Private Members’ Business.
The ACL is continuing to work alongside supportive Members of Parliament and our pro-life allies to ensure the debate continues progressing and reaches a vote before the next State election.
This bill represents an historic opportunity.
If passed, it would mark one of the most significant pro-life legislative victories in recent Australian history.
WHAT CHRISTIANS AND PRO-LIFE SUPPORTERS CAN DO TO HELP
Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal.
If you have not yet done so, please use ACL’s email tool to contact Upper House members who remain undecided.
Polite, respectful and thoughtful communication continues to make a difference.
We have seen throughout this campaign that individual voices matter, and MPs do take notice when constituents contact them.
Please continue praying for wisdom, courage and conviction for Members of Parliament as this debate continues.
ACL’S NEW DOCUMENTARY ON BABIES BORN ALIVE AFTER FAILED ABORTIONS
Meanwhile, the ACL has produced a powerful documentary exposing the devastating reality of babies born alive after failed abortions in Australia.
Born Alive Left to Die reveals what is too often hidden: the experiences of children who survive abortion procedures, the trauma faced by medical staff and families, and the legal and political frameworks that allow these outcomes to continue in silence.
Through first-hand testimony and expert insight, this screening uncovers truths many Australians have never been told and equips our movement with the facts needed to speak with courage and conviction.
The evidence of harm is undeniable. Silence is no longer an option.
It will be officially launched at the Church and State summit in Brisbane on Saturday.
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