Anti-abortion campaign goes too far, says Brian Gallant

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant says graphic anti-abortion postcards being distributed in Fredericton gobeyond free speech.

He was responding to a campaign launched on Monday by the Campaign Life Coalition Youth (CLCY) and the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR).

The postcards,being left in residential mailboxes on the city's north side,depict the remains of apurported five-month-old aborted fetus, along with a photo of Gallant and the message: "A vote for Brian Gallant and the Liberals is a vote for this."

Gallant,who is running in Shediac Bay-Dieppe,contends the postcards go too far.

"Theres no doubt that during a campaign youll have many people that will try to influence peoples votes, and thats normal and thats something that we certainly accept, but we find it very disappointing and very unfortunate to have such graphic photos going around,"said Gallant.

"We do think its OK to debate and discuss and to have conversations, but to send graphic photos like that, we do think is crossing a line," he said.

"We certainly welcome people to join the debate and thediscussion, but I think we have to all do it in a respectful way and I certainly dont think that was the case when it comes to those pamphlets."

The City of Fredericton has received a "significant number of complaints" from residents about the postcards, officials have said.

But Fredericton police say no laws are being broken and there's nothing they can do except ask the groups to stop distributing the postcards.

The groups say they have no plans to stop.

'Divisive issue'

Gallant, who has declared himself pro-choice,"has promised to review New Brunswicks abortion restrictions if he becomes premier.

He reiterated his position on Tuesday. "We would act swiftly to ensure that we find any barriers to a womans right to choose and eliminate them," he said.

Asked whether he would follow the lead of federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and only accept pro-choice candidates, Gallant said provincial Liberal candidates "can have their personal preference, their personal beliefs, but they would have to respect the position outlined by the party."

Currently in New Brunswick, the provincial government pays for abortions at two hospitals, but only if a woman gets approval from two doctors who certify the procedureis "medically necessary."

Progressive Conservative Leader David Alwardsayshe hasn't seen the postcards.

"What I can say is certainly different groups and organizations have the right and responsibility to provide information to their members. That is taking place, I'm sure by all different groups on all sides of the issue right now," Alward said.

The reality is this is an issue that touches many and all New Brunswickers, that New Brunswickerson all sides feel very passionate about," he said.

"This is something thatsvery divisive and quite frankly, you know, Mr. Gallant opened this issue up. Were very clear on our position."