Anti-Abortion Group Wants Back Into Hampdenfest

An anti-abortion group that was banned from having a booth at last year’s Hampdenfest will be able to apply to participate in this year’s event.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Respect for Life Committee asked the Hampden Community Council to vote to support the group having a table at this year’s Hampdenfest. But the council declined to take a vote on a motion showing support because it is only one of the groups that helps organize the annual neighborhood festival.

The committee previously had a table at Hampdenfest but was denied a booth for last year’s festival. A letter sent to the group last year said the festival was denying the application because of a policy not to allow religious or faith based groups to participate.

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Genny Dill, secretary of the community council, said the could have been handled better, but encouraged the respect for life committee to submit an application to participate in this year’s festival. 

"I encourage you to fill out that application like any other group," Dill said.

Bob Stimler, a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Respect for Life Committee, argued that the group provides information about services available to pregnant women, and none of their materials were offensive.

"There’s no gross pictures in [a brochure]— just prenatal development," Stimler said. 

After the meeting, Stimler said the group intended to submit an application to particiapte in this year's festival.

This year’s Hampdenfest is scheduled to take place on September 8.

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