I was rejected from speaking at a Men's Club.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Alex Schadenberg

A few months ago I was asked if I could speak at the Guelph Wellington Men's Club. Along with the request I received this information.

Recently we had a retired United Church minister, who gave a talk on “Dignity in Dying”, which, although it included other topics, was mostly a presentation in favour of MAID.

I was approved to speak in August.

Even though I provided the required information and I was open to questions from any participant, I was informed, today, that I would not be welcome at the Men's Club.

Since the Men's Club neither supports or opposes MAiD, I understood that not everyone would be happy with my presentation, but I was willing to provide information and I was open to respectful dialogue.

Several years ago I spoke at a Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs event. The attendees were clearly divided on the issue and I faced several questions from supporters of euthanasia, but we were respectful.

I have also spoken at several other secular events and once again there was respectful dialogue.

It concerns me when an institutions prevent free and open dialogue. I would never be "hateful" or "discriminatory" but clearly the Men's Club is closed to "other" points of view.

Oh, by the way, Yes, I do oppose killing people.