Anti-racism group in Galway accused of discrimination

Five members of the public claim they have been ostracised from the Galway Anti-Racism Network for their anti-abortion stance.

The Galway Anti-Racism Network (GARN) was launched in April 2016 “seeking to unite the different cultural, ethnic, and community groups in Galway around principles of solidarity and equality”.

However, Luke Silke from Tuam, who claims to have attended several network events, including an anti-Trump rally, insists he was told he was no longer welcome due to his “pro-life” views.

He says he has been blocked on their Facebook page after expressing the view that the network should focus on racism issues rather than abortion.

“I simply proposed that ‘we should all… work together in harmony, regardless of our opinions on abortion, to try and end racism in Galway’. It wasn’t that I was trolling them. The group replied that they ‘don’t want your support to be brutally honest, we stand for a progressive society, for real equality and genuine solidarity.’

“They informed me that they were ‘not interested’ in conversation and blocked me from their Facebook page. They also highlighted that they do not invite pro-life people to their events.”

Liam maintains at least four others have had similar experiences, including Radko and Kristina Vykukal, who moved to Galway a number of years ago.

“I find it ironic that GARN are discriminating against us based on our political views. I find it horrific that they would exclude non-nationals from their anti-racism group based on the fact that these people were pro-life,” he added.

Joe Loughnane, chair of the Galway Anti-Racism Network, believes the emails to their Facebook page were sent as part of a concerted Pro-Life campaign following the network’s stated support for the repeal of the 8th Amendment.

“I’m a proud member of Galway Pro-Choice,” he told the Galway City Tribune. “I get the impression this is part of campaign to discredit us.”

“One of the main things we campaign against is Direct Provision. Asylum seekers who become pregnant can’t leave the country to access abortion services. We feel it is necessary to be pro-repeal in that regard,” he continued.

“We have never turned anyone away from our events. They are not ticketed. We are welcoming and inclusive regardless of personal beliefs. We run a public Facebook page. This page has moderators.

“People are blocked from the page if they use discriminatory language of any form. Being blocked from the page does not mean you are blocked from our events. There is no correlation between the two.”

■ For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.