Action Dates

The other major point of debate was a suggested amendment to the proposal of the Conference Organising Committee. This was put forward by the March 8 Committee who organised the more than 1500 strong march for safe legal abortion in Wellington on International Women's Day. On the basis of their experience in organising March 8th, the Committee proposed that there be a national mobilisation for safe, legal abortion on the eveing of Friday 2nd June.

The Committee felt that to build a successful march it is essential to allow plenty of time for organising and publicity. Notice of the Opening of Parliament could be given only three weeks in advance which would not leave enough time for proper organising. Also the opening of Parliament could fall at an inconvenient time i.e. when all the universities are on holiday. (In fact this is what has happened as the opening of Parliament is scheduled for May 11th).

The main argument against the proposal was that June 2nd does not provide a focal point for the demonstrations whereas the Opening of Parliament receives national coverage anyway. This was arguable however since, as stated before, some women felt that the Opening of Parliament does not provide much of a focus outside of Wellington anyway. In the end, the amendment was lost.