Belfast: 2026
Join us! Sat, 4 July, 1.30pm, Belfast City Hall
Unionists and Nationalists unite to defend Life, Free Speech and Religious Freedom
Thousands of people from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland gathered in Belfast on Saturday, 4 July, for the Rally for Life, Liberty and Faith, in what organisers described as one of the largest pro-life demonstrations held in Belfast in recent years.
Organised by Precious Life and Life Institute, the major public rally and march brought together people from all backgrounds, political traditions, and denominations in a united stand for the protection of unborn children, freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the right to peaceful public witness.
The event began at Belfast City Hall before thousands marched peacefully through Belfast city centre carrying banners and placards proclaiming the dignity and value of every human life.
Unionists and Nationalists stood side by side at the Rally, demonstrating that the protection of human life and fundamental freedoms transcends politics.
The Rally also heard from Belfast City councillors, Christian leaders, pro-life advocates, and campaign groups who have been actively defending the rights of pro-life organisations and street preachers in response to proposed Belfast City Council bye-laws and increasing restrictions on public Christian witness.
Speakers warned that recent and proposed legislation poses a serious threat to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right of Christians and pro-life organisations to peacefully express their beliefs in public spaces.
Addressing the crowd, Bernadette Smyth, Director of Precious Life, said: “Today, we stand together and sent a powerful message that we will not be silenced. We marched for the little ones who cannot march, cannot speak, and cannot vote. We marched because every child deserves the freedom to be born and every mother deserves real support and compassion.
This Rally has demonstrated that people across Ireland are deeply concerned about growing attacks on life, liberty, and faith. We will continue to stand peacefully and courageously for truth, justice, and the protection of every human life.”
Mrs Smyth also thanked those who travelled from across the island of Ireland to attend the Rally.
“We are deeply encouraged by the tremendous turnout and by the unity shown here today. This Rally was peaceful, joyful, prayerful, and full of hope. It showed that the pro-life people of Ireland are prepared to stand publicly for life and defend our fundamental freedoms.”
Precious Life will continue to campaign against proposed restrictions on pro-life outreach, Christian preaching, and public expressions of faith in Belfast.
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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
Irish News: Video Reel
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.
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Organised by Precious Life and supported by over 40 local groups and organisations
