Children’s rights will be focus of peaceful march

‘It’s all about the children’

A peaceful march to raise awareness about children’s rights in family court and promote peace between separated parents is happening on Saturday.

Our Children’s Rights of Cape Breton group is behind the event.

Organizers said this is the first step toward their goal of addressing the damage parental alienation can cause and the need for more family court judges in Cape Breton.

“The initiative is to create peace among parents (who are separated or divorced) to prevent or stop any emotional distress to the children,” said George MacLeod, one of the group administrators.

“It’s all about the children. They are the ones that are suffering.”

MacLeod said one thing the group would like to see is family court judges monitor parents with regards to courtregulated visitation and be able to penalize parents who don’t follow the visitation schedule.

MacLeod and fellow march organizer, Bruce McNeil (moderator of the Our Children’s Rights group), also said they would like courts to be able to get more involved if the two parents are unable to communicate civilly or without anger, especially in front of the children.

“We want parents to stop hating each other as much as they love their children,” said McNeil.

He said some parents are afraid to report issues with former partners to the courts because they are afraid it will affect their custody case.

But the biggest goal is to protect the children from the stresses these cases can cause.

“We are all adults … These things go on for three or four years sometimes. It takes a toll on adults. You see some who’ve lost weight, who are on medication for stress and anxiety,” MacLeod said.

“If it’s affecting the adults this much, how much is it affecting the children.”

MacLeod and McNeil said they expect some children at the march and stressed it will be peaceful with no negative speeches, signs or messages.

People wanting to participate are asked to meet at Tim Hortons on George Street in Sydney for 1:30 p.m. There will be guest speakers and a bagpiper will be leading the

“If it’s affecting the adults this much, how much is it affecting the children.” George MacLeod

march to family court, which is expected to take about 20 minutes.

MacLeod said they are holding the march on a Saturday because they want to respect the family court system and not tie things up.

“Our goal is to promote peace and I want ex-spouses to get along with each other, no matter what,” the father of two said.

“No matter how much you hate each other, you have to get along with each other in front of the children.”