20/04/2023
LET WOMEN SPEAK CAMPAIGNER JANA LUNDEN CANCELLED BY AONTU!
Jana Lunden, Founder of the Natural Womenโs Council has made the following public statement about Aontuโs โDefend Parentsโ Rights In Educationโ public meeting to be held this evening at Artane Parish:
โI am making this statement as I believe that it is important to reveal the truth as to why I will no longer be speaking at Aontuโs event this evening on defending parentsโ rights in education. Although I am apolitical, I accepted Aontuโs request to speak on the expert panel at this event when they contacted me in early March. I felt that it was important to get the message out at such a public platform so that more parents are empowered to stand up to take action. Time is of the essence and it is fundamental that we push back with all our might and power against this agenda to protect all children.
The Natural Womenโs Council, in partnership with Irish Education Alliance, LFJI and Parentโs Rightโs Alliance launched our Library and Curriculum Campaigns at Leinster House in January and it has been inspiring to witness such grassroots support by the people of Ireland.
Aontu, as a political party, proclaim that they are firm advocates for free speech yet they did not appear to find it hypocritical to contact me at the start of this week to disinvite me from speaking as part of the expert panel. When I telephoned the party leader Peadar Tobin for an explanation I was informed that, although I have never said anything that was phobic or hateful and my groups have done tremendous work, some of the language I used was โcontroversialโ, particularly when I said that these sexually explicit and indoctrinating library books are โgroomingโ children.
I speak from my heart and mind without fear as my principles and integrity are the very core of my being. I will not waiver and this latest development has made me even MORE determined to speak the raw truth to protect all children and women. Children are defenceless and innocent - we only have one chance to get childhood right. Children rely on our voices to advocate for their health and wellbeing.
I am heartened that people from other groups who were due to speak at this eveningโs event have made the decision to voluntarily step down from the panel to stand in solidarity with me.
In the words of Labi Siffre, Something Inside So Strong:
โThe more you refuse to hear my voice
The louder I will sing..
My light will shine so brightly
It will blind you, โcause thereโs
Something inside so strong..โ
WE WILL NOT BE CANCELLED!