Linda Gibbons: Prisoner of Conscience

Linda Gibbons A Prisoner for Defending Life

Linda Gibbons, a grandmother of four, has been a political prisoner of the Ontario government for almost five years.

Her crime?

She offers help to women entering abortion centres in Toronto. She very peacefully and lovingly tries to counsel distressed pregnant women by offering them one last chance to spare themselves the pain of an abortion and save the lives of their babies.

Linda believes that the temporary injunction which bans counseling within 60 feet of certain abortion centres (abortuaries) is unjust and therefore morally invalid. She believes it is her duty to "rescue those being led to the slaughter."

In solidarity with children in the womb who cannot speak to defend themselves, Linda does not defend herself at all and remains completely silent in court. She also fasts and prays for several days before every court appearance. Linda has been moved often from one jail to another.

Letters
Linda's Letter from Prison: 98-03-26

Currently, you may write to Linda Gibbons at:

Linda Gibbons
c/o Aid to Women
300 Gerrard St. E.
Toronto, ON M5A 2G7

Links
Canadian Civil Liberties Association opposes the injunction


Linda's Total days in Jail: 1850 days (5.3 years.)
Linda released July 7, 2001
LINDA GIBBONS DEFENCE FUND
RealVideo Features
You will require the free G2 Real Player Plugin for the audio and video features of this page. Suggest setting connection buffer to at least 60 - 90 secs, "maximum bandwith" to your modems max. and "normal bandwith" to one step below that. (see Options/Preferences)

  • Linda Speaks Aug. 31, 1997  9 min. RealAudio
  • US pro-life attorney John Broderick comments on Linda - April 1997  2 min. RealVideo
  • TV Program 100 Huntley Street shows clip on Linda's Jan. 22/97 arrest  2 min. RealVideo
  • NEW! 56k or faster modem only September 9, 1998 - The arrests of Linda Gibbons, Rev. Ken Campbell and Anneliese Steden. If you would like to order a high quality VHS cassette of this video call (416) 368-8479 ($15 + shipping)   8 min. RealVideo.
ACTION ITEM

Please pray for Linda and write her notes of encouragement. Ontario citizens should visit or write their MPP and demand that the Ontario government stop the repeated arrests and jailings of this prisoner of conscience.

Demand that the injunction responsible for Linda's arrest be dropped or that she be allowed to have a jury trial. The Crown Attorney's office has so far dealt with Linda's charges in a way that prevents her from proceeding to a higher court. She is usually initially charged with violating a court order but then each time there is high level intervention and the charge is changed to "obstructing a peace officer". Linda is denied the right to challenge the injunction's violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The injunction was obtained by the NDP government and denies free speech to those who oppose abortion. It prohibits counseling, protesting and even prayer within the area designated off limits by the court.

Lifesite is a production of Interim Publishing. Contents may be freely reproduced provided source is noted. Lifesite Daily News archived at http://www.lifesite.net"

Please help us to continue this service. Mail contributions to
Interim Publishing, attn Lifesite,
104 Bond St., Toronto, ON M5B 1X9