Marchers blocked as police stood by

Re: The battle over abortion, May 11

I was shocked by the abusive behaviour of pro-choice demonstrators blocking a peaceful pro-life march. They were shouting angry slogans and waving placards attacking Christian values in obscene terms.

That a small, loudmouth group could block Elgin Street and halt a legal, approved march of thousands, is not only undemocratic but brazenly offensive.

The police just stood by watching and did nothing to allow marchers to go.

I thought — it turns out naively — that we live in a free, democratic country where dissenting voices would be heard and welcomed and lead to better life for all. Rafal Pomian, Ottawa