We, the undersigned, feel that the York Federation of Students new pro-choice policy is a violation of their constitution and more importantly, is contrary to a number of our fundamental freedoms that are so vital in a democracy.

The policy, officially ratified by the YFS council on June 3, reads as follows, No YFS resources, recognition or funding will be allocated to enhance groups or individuals, whose primary or sole purpose is anti-choice activities, or student groups or individuals who are affiliated with outside groups and/or organizations whose primary or sole purpose is anti-choice activities. When the YFS, along with the Freethinkers, Sceptics and Atheists @ York held a Town Hall on August 11th to discuss the policy, no one who attended was allowed to videotape, report on, or even discuss it outside of the Town Hall.

This policy is clearly violating a number of fundamental freedoms, including those of thought, belief, opinion and expression (including the press and other media communication). We, the undersigned, feel that, considering the amount of contention around the policy, that students should vote as to whether or not they feel that their money should go to support pro-life groups. The York Federation of Students should not be allowed to pass policies that effectively marginalize a group of people who happen to have a differing opinion/belief from their own, at least not without student input.