Belfast: 2026
Join us! Sat, 4 July, 1.30pm, Belfast City Hall
The rights of Christians, and particularly pro-life groups, are increasingly under attack. Since 2023, praying outside abortion centres has been a crime in Northern Ireland.
In February 2026, Belfast City Council have voted to approve draft bye laws that directly threaten freedom of speech, expression and peaceful Christian witness. These bye-laws introduce fines for public preaching and praying if the sound exceeds 70 decibels (the volume of a vacuum cleaner or a loud conversation, making normal preaching, praying, and even public speaking almost impossible in the city centre.
Belfast Council has also voted to ban the display of images used by pro-life groups including pictures on banners, posters, and even clothing such as t-shirts. Anyone who displays such images could face fines of up to £1,500. Pro-life information leaflets will also be censored, forced into sealed envelopes with ‘warning’ labels.
These bye-laws threaten freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and religious liberty – rights protected by both the Human Rights Act and the Good Friday Agreement. They are not about public order. They are about controlling speech, suppressing the pro-life message, and silencing Christian witness in public spaces. If faith can be silenced in Belfast todav, it can be silenced anvwhere tomorrow. That is why we must march on 4th July:
- Be a voice for the unborn
- Be a voice for faith
- Be a voice for freedom
- Be a voice for truth
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us on Saturday 4th July 2026 in Belfast and send a clear message. Please help promote the rally; help organise a bus; or have a parish speaker; if you would like some of the leaflets below, we can post them to you! Contact us on info@preciouslife.com / info@thelifeinstitute.net or phone us on 028 90278484 (Belfast) or 01 8730465 (Dublin).
Video
Media
Irish News: Pro Life Rally protests new council laws aimed at graphic imagery in BelfastPro Life Rally protests new council laws aimed at graphic imagery in Belfast
Leaflets
If you would like leaflets for distribution, contact us!
Leaflets in English
Billeog as Gaeilge
Ulotka po Polsku
Speakers
Andrea Williams
As Chief Executive and co-founder of Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre, Andrea Minichiello Williams has led some of the most high-profile and ground-breaking Christian freedom cases and parliamentary campaigns in the United Kingdom and Europe. Through bold legal advocacy and strategic cultural engagement, she has been at the forefront of defending life, family and Christian freedoms in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Andrea is a qualified barrister with over three decades of experience in law, public policy and campaigning.
She is a powerful and passionate voice for Christian truth, working tirelessly to see society transformed by the gospel in every sphere, from law and politics to education and healthcare. This vision led to the formation of the Wilberforce Collective and an increasing global influence through partner organisations.
Andrea is a qualified barrister with over three decades of experience in law, public policy and campaigning. She is a powerful and passionate voice for Christian truth, working tirelessly to see society transformed by the gospel in every sphere, from law and politics to education and healthcare. Andrea is married to Gareth; they have four grown-up children and one grandson.
Nathan Anderson
Nathan Anderson is a spokesperson and leading voice within Liberty NI, a grassroots movement committed to defending faith, freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the protection of life in Northern Ireland.
Through public engagement, campaigning, media work, and community outreach, Nathan has been involved in raising awareness around issues affecting civil and religious liberty, while encouraging Christians to engage faithfully and courageously in the public square.
He is also host of the Forward with Truth Podcast, where he regularly discusses culture, faith, law, and public policy from a Christian worldview.
Bernadette Smyth
Bernadette Smyth, Founder and Director of Precious Life, is a pro-life activist for over 20 years now. She regularly appears on TV and radio as a pro-life commentator and is instrumental in saving hundreds of babies through crisis pregnancy initiatives in the North of Ireland
“We need to make abortion unthinkable – all mothers and babies need is love”
Niamh Uí Bhriain
Chairwoman of the Life Institute, Niamh is a veteran pro-life activist for nearly 30 years and a prolific commentator on right to life issues
“We need to rebuild a culture when it is so broken that abortion is seen as a solution.”
Dona Carmody
Dona Carmody was never meant to live… but she did.
More than 30 years ago in the Philippines, Dona survived an abortion. Left in a shoebox with only water while those around her expected her to die, she was rescued on the third day and later adopted into a loving family.
Today, Dona is a nurse, an educator, and a courageous advocate for the value and dignity of every human life.
Her remarkable journey is a powerful testimony of survival, hope, resilience, and purpose. It is a story that touches hearts, challenges assumptions, and reminds us of the immeasurable worth of every person.
Grace and Ryan, Youth for Life
Youth for Life NI is a growing movement of young people committed to building a culture of life across Northern Ireland.
Through public outreach, education, and advocacy, they are equipping the next generation to stand for the unborn and uphold the dignity of every human life.
By raising up young pro-life leaders and bringing the message of life into the public square, they are helping to create a future where abortion is both illegal and unthinkable.
A generation called and equipped to end abortion.
Margaret-Anne McKillop
Margaret-Anne is an independent pro-life counsellor for Causeway Coast & Glens and a passionate, principled advocate for the protection of human life. Her unwavering commitment to defending the most vulnerable has made her a respected voice within the pro-life movement.
Join us on Saturday to hear Margaret-Anne and a host of other inspiring speakers as we stand together for Life, Liberty, and Faith.
Gemma Brolly
Gemma Brolly, Deputy Leader of Aontú is a primary school teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator, an Irish medium teacher, a passionate human rights activist and a devoted wife and mother of four.
A staunch defender of human rights and freedoms, including religious freedom and freedom of speech, she is dedicated to building a society that protects life at all stages and cherishes its children.
As a teacher and mother, Gemma Brolly actively dedicates her life to nurturing the young and giving young people a voice. She views her political involvement as an extension of her dedication and not as a career. She is entering politics to bridge the gap between decision-makers and everyday families. Her political vision centres on fostering a successful, thriving economy that genuinely supports parents, ensuring that families are cherished, protected and empowered to raise their children in a safe, compassionate environment.
Rooted in the fundamental belief that life is sacred from “womb to tomb”, Gemma has been a prominent speaker, frequently championing the right to life and advocating strongly for freedom of speech, religion and protest. She believes that true societal progress relies on protecting the most vulnerable while simultaneously alleviating the cost-of-living burdens on working households.
Join Gemma and a host of inspiring speakers on Saturday at 1.30pm at Belfast City Hall.
Alderman Dean McCullough
Alderman Dean A. McCullough is Deputy Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Group on Belfast City Council. A committed Christian and pro-life advocate, Dean has consistently championed the sanctity of human life, freedom of speech, and religious liberty. He has also opposed Belfast City Council’s new draft bye-laws on the grounds that they would have restricted lawful pro-life witness.
Organised by Precious Life and supported by over 40 local groups and organisations
