A pro-life student group has launched legal action against the University of Aberdeen and its student association because of alleged ‘unlawful discrimination’.

The Aberdeen Life Ethics Society (Ales) says it is being unfairly denied a presence on campus and that the legal action followed “repeated efforts to resolve this problem through internal bureaucratic channels”.

The group are arguing that a students’ association policy of “de-platforming pro-life student societies” is a violation of equality and human rights laws.

‘Unlawful discrimination’

In a statement, the group said: “The Aberdeen Life Ethics Society filed suit in Aberdeen Sheriff Court against both the Aberdeen University Students’ Association (Ausa) and the University of Aberdeen, alleging unlawful discrimination against the society and the violation of rights protected by human law.

“Furthermore, it asks the court to recommend that Ales be affiliated to the students’ association, complete with the benefits and privileges that other societies enjoy.

“All good faith avenues for resolution have been exhausted and Ales is now forced to turn to the legal system for restitution and vindication.”

Constant struggle for affiliation

This is just the latest example in a growing list of pro-life groups struggling to be officially recognised by student unions.

In March, Glasgow Students for Life, a pro-life group at the University of Glasgow won the right to affiliate with the student’s union after the threat of legal action.

Glasgow University students’ council agreed to affiliate with the pro-life group Glasgow Students for Life only after threats of legal action.

Back in October last year, the trustees at the University of Strathclyde said it would stop the non-platforming of pro-life groups at the university.

Freedom of expression is vital

CARE’s Communication Manager James Mildred said: “Freedom of expression is a vital pillar in our society. This principle is especially important in our universities, where a range of views should be heard, and debate and dialogue encouraged. Barring pro-life groups is an absurd response to a completely valid position.”