Faithful Say No to Abortion

ALLAFRICA, June 26 — Hundreds of Catholic faithful marched through Kisumu streets in a campaign against abortion, the news service reported.

Carrying placards and singing hymns, they urged on the government to introduce tough anti-abortion laws to protect the unborn child.

The pro-life march was organized by the Dominican Laity, a group of young Catholic professionals living around Kisumu. The marchers, who included priests and lay leaders, first attended a Mass at St. Theresa's Cathedral in Kibuye before proceeding to Kondele where they held a rally.

The event's moderator, Fred Mak'Otieno, urged the government to reject calls to legalize abortion, the report stated.

“The government should not compromise on abortion,” he said. “Abortion should remain illegal and those found helping women to procure abortion should be punished.”

Australia Outlaws Using Internet to Incite Suicide

REUTERS, June 25 — People in Australia who use the Internet to incite others to commit suicide or teach them how to kill themselves, will face heavy fines, according to Reuters.

Under new laws passed by the Australian government, a conviction for using Internet to counsel or incite others to commit suicide will be met with a fine of up to $423,000.

Justice Minister Chris Ellison said, “These offences are designed to protect the young and the vulnerable, those at greatest risk of suicide.”

Use of the Internet to organize suicide pacts emerged as a grim problem for Japan last year, with dozens of Japanese killing themselves in Internet-linked group suicides.

Asylum Seekers Allegedly Tortured

THE LONDON TIMES, June 27 — Church leaders in England are urging the halt to repatriation of Zimbabweans as evidence grows of abuse and detention, the London daily reported.

England's Prime Minister Tony Blair was sent a report from human rights organizations alleging that Zimbabweans repatriated by Britain are being tortured and jailed. Catholic Church leaders joined with Anglican leaders to call for an immediate end to the deportations.

A lawyer for one refugee group said: “We just want to prove to Mr. Blair the present dangers of sending home opponents of [Zimbabwe President Robert] Mugabe. Their families are scared to protest because they, too, will suffer.”

Lancaster Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue said, “I want to reinforce the call to stop all deportations or forcible return of people, at least for the moment.”

The report said Blair had not yet decided on a course of action.