Clinton invitation to Catholic college draws pro-life protest
Associated Press ^ | Saturday, January 29, 2005
 

BUFFALO - Abortion opponents on Friday urged a Catholic college to withdraw its speaking invitation to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because she is pro-choice.

The Democratic senator is scheduled to speak at Canisius College on Monday on the government's role in caring for the sick. The address is part of the college's "Corporal Works of Mercy" lecture series.

An aide said Clinton would not discuss abortion as part of her speech, and never intended to. Nor had Clinton considered canceling her appearance because of the objections.

"She's absolutely planning on being there," spokeswoman Jennifer Hanley said.

The Diocese of Buffalo received about 20 calls of protest by early Friday afternoon, spokesman Kevin Keenan said.

"People are upset that a Catholic college would be hosting Senator Clinton because of her pro-choice position when it comes to abortion," Keenan said.

Bishop Edward Kmiec said later Friday the diocese communicated its "displeasure" to college officials but would "reluctantly" let the event proceed to "maintain channels of communication with Senator Clinton and others who hold her views." Catholic Charities and a diocesan office withdrew sponsorship of the lecture series after learning Clinton would be part of it.

"I believe she will be well aware of the depth of our beliefs on life issues in this very Catholic region of New York State," Kmiec said. "We trust that she will respect and be sensitive to those sentiments."

Canisius is an independent college founded by Jesuits in 1870. College officials said they, too, received calls and e-mails protesting the appearance, but also received support for the decision to invite Clinton.

"We've heard from alumni who think that having speakers on campus with whom you may not agree is an essential part of the learning process that takes place at a Jesuit university," said John Hurley, vice president for college relations.

Clinton, long a supporter of abortion rights, as recently as Monday repeated her call for all sides in the debate to seek common ground and work together to reduce the number of abortions.