Spanish Socialists Attempt To Cancel Pro-Life Summit in Senate

So, according to El País, citing the SPLC(!), the pro-life movement 'promotes “extreme Right” views that threaten democratic principles'. How low Spaim has fallen, from a confessional Catholic State under Franco to this!

From The European Conservative

By TEC News

Despite the backlash, the Political Network for Values vows to proceed with its Transatlantic Summit.

The Socialist Party of Spain has sparked controversy by attempting to halt the upcoming VI Transatlantic Summit, scheduled to take place in the Spanish Senate on December 1st-2nd, 2024. Organised by the Political Network for Values (PNfV), the Summit is expected to draw representatives from over 20 countries, spanning three continents, under the theme “For freedom and a culture of life.”

The event has been fully approved by the Senate Board, including members of the Socialist Group (PSOE), but recent reports from the Spanish establishment newspaper El País have led to PSOE’s reversal of its position and a subsequent call for the event’s cancellation.

The El País report criticised the Senate’s decision to host the Summit, claiming the participants promote “extreme Right” views that threaten democratic principles. The newspaper cited left-wing campaign groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights as opponents of the Summit.

Following publication, the PNfV described the article as a clear example of “cancel journalism.” PSOE deputy spokesman Alfonso Gil argued that the Senate should only host events that reflect the values of all Spanish citizens.

The PNfV, however, has defended its right to host the Summit in the Senate, asserting that such an attempt to cancel their event infringes upon democratic freedoms. The network emphasises that their mission is rooted in the defence of human dignity, family values, and fundamental freedoms—principles that are essential to a democratic society. 

The VI Transatlantic Summit is set against a backdrop of growing global tensions surrounding the issue of abortion and the ‘culture of life.’ Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the topic has gained renewed attention worldwide, with Europe at the forefront of legislative debates. PNfV wants to fight those who would normalise abortion as a “right” and silence those who oppose it. 

According to PNfV president José Antonio Kast:

It is time to mark a turning point; that is why we are calling for the VI Transatlantic Summit of political leaders, to join forces to influence the international political scene and mark a change of course in favour of freedom and the culture of life.With prominent speakers confirmed from Europe, the Americas, and Africa, the Summit will feature discussions on legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering family values and individual freedoms. Key participants include politicians like Eduard Heger, former prime minister of Slovakia, and lawmakers from various nations, such as France, Hungary, Uganda, and the United States. 

Amid this heated debate, the PNfV remains firm in its commitment to hold the Summit as planned. They argue that efforts to cancel their event reflect an alarming trend toward ideological censorship. By hosting the Summit in the Senate, the PNfV aims to demonstrate that Spain’s democracy can uphold the principles of free speech and respect for diverse viewpoints.