‘Cameron put her opinion above basic human rights says Labour councillor’
One of the most vocal opponents to Dr Lisa Cameron’s vote last week was Monique McAdams.
The local Labour councillor said she was concerned that the MP had formed a political decision based on opinion, despite the vote being one of conscience.
Under the Westminster system, a vote of conscience is where there is no official ‘party line’ dictated to members that they have to follow, meaning MPs can vote as they please.
Despite this, Councillor McAdams was annoyed at Dr Cameron’s decision to vote in line with her religious and personal beliefs.
Responding online, the chief executive of East Kilbride Community Trust offered her condolences to Dr Cameron for her personal trauma.
But added: “While I respect your right to have your opinion I cannot agree with or condone your decision to vote to take away another women’s rights and ability to make her own decisions – the way you were allowed to yesterday.
“You’ve described this vote in your post as a vote of conscience. For the benefit of those interested in how this works politically, I feel it’s important to note that this means you don’t have to follow the party line as you are not whipped.
“However, it does not mean your personal opinion should be put above another women’s basic human rights.
“Human rights belong to every person; I don’t believe I have been unfair in pointing out that your human rights are no more important than that of the women of Northern Ireland.
“I stand in solidarity with you and all the other women to have the right to freedom of speech, but that doesn’t then give you a free pass to excuse yourself from the consequences of your actions.
“Some people might say you have displayed a flagrant disregard for basic human rights and will be extremely grateful the vote did not go your way.
“I’m inclined to agree with this point of view, as for such a vote to have been passed, removing the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies, would have been a massive human rights violation.
“Whilst I appreciate this is your own religious viewpoint, I am concerned you have used this vote to express your own views on the matter.
“I find it disappointing you have formed a political decision based on your opinion – church and state are and should remain entirely separate.
“I am unclear as to how you were representing your constituents’ and the rights of their family and friends in Northern Ireland.”