SA Liberal leader slams ‘rabid left’ after anti-abortion event goes dark

SA’s opposition leader has confirmed he was invited to a “youth training day” held in the name of an anti-abortion activist after a bizarre twist in the event’s schedule.

South Australia’s opposition leader has slammed the “rabid left” after a thousands rallied in support of abortion laws, while confirming he had been invited to an opposing event.

Liberal leader David Speirs confirmed his invite to the top secret location at a by-election press conference in the seat of Bragg.

“The Enid Lyons List is an organisation which seeks to empower women and to promote women into leadership,” he said.

“It is disappointing that the rabid left of politics led by Tammy Franks from the Greens has really attacked this organisation.

Opposition leader David Speirs, on June 6th, 2022, at Glenunga Hub. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I want to respect people who have different views on issues across this state,” he said

The Liberal leader said his invitation did not indicate that he is against the decriminalisation of abortion.

“I am not trying to ban abortion. I think it should be decriminalised and I have said that on the public record many times.”

“I think that all people should be respected no matter their view.

“The noisy, angry, violent, hateful left is not the sort of politics I want to be involved in.”

Despite his convictions, Mr Speirs did not make it to the event due to other commitments.

His comments came after the pro-life event, which was set to host several prominent South Australian politicians changed venues at the last minute to a secret location.

The “youth training day” – organised by Enid Lyons List – to encourage young people to “fight for the human rights of the unborn” was meant to commence at 10am at the Thebarton Community Centre.

Dozens of protesters, police, media, and venue workers waited close to two hours for attendees to arrive before the community centre’s doors were locked.

Enid Lyons List is a pro-life group with a website that reads: “Women’s voices are placed at the forefront of the campaign against abortion.”

A Liberal spokesman told The Advertiser he had been advised the location of the event had been changed and the new venue was being kept quiet.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven, Liberal MPs Nicola Centofanti and Dennis Hood, and SA-Best’s Frank Pangallo were among the guests set to speak at the event.

A protest against the antiabortionists at the Thebarton Community Centre came to nothing, as the meeting was cancelled. 2 July 2022. Picture: Dean Martin

Three-year-old cousins Oliver and Harry enjoy a snack, unfazed by the protest going on around them. Picture: Dean Martin

Pro-choice protesters were set to continue their fight for women’s rights outside the Torrensville venue after an estimated 5000 people stormed King William St to protest the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn abortion rights.

Defend Abortion Action Group organiser Ana Obradovic said the change in location indicated the pro-life activists were feeling the pressure from women’s rights supporters.

“This really speaks to the power of people taking to the streets and expressing their rage,” she said.

The Enid Lyons List event was scheduled days before the state’s laws decriminalising abortion are set to come into effect.

Ms Obradovic said this was an intentional act by the organisation.

“The fact this conference was set to occur a week before decriminalisation happens in South Australia just shows how brazen these people are,” she said.

“From the very get-go they are on the front foot organising events which can push back on our rights in Australia.”

Ms Obradovic was one of the 5000 people who flocked to the city on Friday night holding signs and coat hangers, chanting “we will fight back” against the situation in the US.

“It was such a brilliant night. We had so many young, angry, determined people saying we will stand in solidarity with the fighters for abortion rights in the United States,” she said.

“We know that the US has a huge impact on politics around the world. We saw that with the gay marriage ruling and with Black Lives Matter.

“So it is important that we continue to come out and keep fighting against the normalisation of these attacks against abortion rights and minorities.”

Enid Lyons List has been contacted for comment.