We did not force children to march – Churches

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anti-abortion-march-in-malawi
anti-abortion-march-in-malawi
Anti abortion march in Malawi.

Local churches have disclosed that they never intended to have school going children during the march organised to express discomfort against legalisation of same sex marriages and termination of pregnancy.

The sentiments come at a time when the Centre for Development of People (CEDEP) has faulted the local churches for having children to be part of the nationwide march.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CEDEP described the act of having the march as “hypocritical and selfish” arguing that it violated right to education for the children.

Henry Saindi
People who marched have a similar view on the matter: Saindi.

Reacting on the matter, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through its general secretary Father Henry Saindi has thrown out the accusation describing it as unfortunate.

“For many years, we have had a demonstrable record of respect for education. And if you look at the start of the march, you will appreciate that there were only adults. The said children joined the demonstration when the marchers were passing their institutions. And that was not in the plan of organisers,” said Saindi.

The Evangelical Association of Malawi and ECM led thousands of citizens to express their position on legalisation of the termination of pregnancy bill.

However, Malawi government has disclosed that it has no plans to table the abortion bill in Parliament.