Issue 1147 - Monday 9 December

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rhifyn 1147 issue 1147

gair rhydd

9 rhagfyr 2019 9 december 2019

Check out Gair Rhydd online

Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all at Gair Rhydd!

Nadolig llawen i bawb!

SU’s pro-choice stance leads to protests Charlotte King Head of News

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ollowing Cardiff University Students’ Union adopting an official pro-chance stance at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 21, a divisive debate has emerged not only between Cardiff University students but with those unaffiliated with the University and Students’ Union too, culminating in a hostile set of protests outside of Cardiff University’s Main Building on Wednesday December 4. CBR UK, a pro-life group who are not affiliated with Cardiff University nor the Students’ Union, returned to protest on university grounds for the second time last week, bringing with them graphic posters and leaflets to, as they state, highlight “the reality” of abortion. Members of CBR UK took some time out of their protest to speak to Gair Rhydd about who they are and why they are protesting outside of the university. The group describes themselves as “acting as a voice for the voiceless” and aim to “[raise] awareness of the humanity of the child.” The group believe that “if something is growing, it’s living. If something has human parents, it stands to reason that it’s human.” Gair Rhydd was informed that CBR UK have been visiting university campuses across the UK to spread their message, and believe that following the AGM, Cardiff University is an institution which is “[stifling] free speech”. At this year’s AGM, students voted in favour of a motion which commits the Students’ Union to support a prochoice abortion stance, improving its ‘Pregnancy Support’ services so that it provides the same level of support for other health-related issues the Union provides services for, such as mental health, wellbeing and sexual health. It also requires the Students’ Union to alter its abortion terminology by using the term foetus to describe a 13week old pregnancy rather than using the term baby; to provide up to date information on the back of Students’ Union toilet stalls about where individuals can seek help if they are pregnant; to create a pro-choice awareness campaign which highlights the importance of access to safe and legal abortion; and to ensure societies affiliated with the

Students’ Union do not spread “misinformation” regarding abortion and pregnancy nor do they participate in activities against Union policy. Speaking to the CBR UK protestors, Gair Rhydd enquired whether the group feels it is appropriate for them to be protesting a Students’ Union development outside a university which does not concern CBR UK directly. In response, a member of CBR UK said: “In our case, we will appear if there is [an] injustice to the unborn. We feel there is [an] injustice to the unborn here.” With regards to the graphic imagery displayed on their posters and in their leaflets, Gair Rhydd questioned whether these images were appropriate, highlighting the damaging effect these graphic images could have on passers-by, including children and individuals who may have had abortions previously. A CBR UK member said: “These images are actually disgusting, they’re horrific, they’re really bad. They upset me, they upset my colleagues, but please understand, we don’t like to come out here.” When questioned about the lack of sourcing of their imagery, CBR UK directed one towards their website. Following on, one enquired whether the use of quotes from a couple of hundred years ago next to unsourced, graphic imagery could constitute misinformation. In response, CBR UK members again directed one towards their website. One member of CBR UK also commented on how they feel their protest tactic has “certainly made everyone sit up and think about [abortion] which is one of [their] aims...To open up the debate, to make people think about it, to look at the reality of what that choice is.” Ultimately, they argue that the Students’ Union is “hiding behind” the term foetus to avoid the reality that from conception, the clump of cells is a baby and they feel that as a group, they must protect the unborn who “have a right to continue living and a right to be protected.” Shortly after CBR UK arrived outside the Main Building, Cardiff University students began to form a quicklygrowing counter-protest in an effort to conceal CBR UK’s display from view. Story continues on page 3.

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It’s back!: Barry-based sitcom Gavin & Stacey is returning for a special one-off edition of the show on Christmas Day. Source: Huw Davies

Oh, What’s Ocurrin’?: Gair Rhydd speaks to Gavin & Stacey’s Robert Wilfort Olly Allen Sport Editor

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show that rocketed Barry into the spotlight, Gavin and Stacey is loved by mil-

Creatives in Cardiff: Is there enough support? Jack Stacey

Contributor

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nown to provide jobs and rises in tourism, the future of Cardiff’s film and television scene seems to be booming, with a Netflix production – as well as an upcoming Mark Wahlberg film - recently filming in Cardiff. However, with major player Pinewood Studio pulling out of Cardiff, the long-term creative prospects of Cardiff’s creative scene are still in doubt. Is enough being done in the Welsh creative industries to inspire the next generation? To read more, turn to page 15. 15

lions of viewers and has become an iconic British comedy. A decade after the original series ended, it returns this Christmas Day for a one-off special, and Olly Allen spoke to Robert Wilfort, who

plays Stacey’s brother Jason in the show, about what to expect, seeing all the cast again and of course that famous fishing trip. To learn more about what’s in store this Christmas, turn to page 24. 24

Pobl 16-17 i gael Keeping in contact over the y bleidlais yn y Christmas break Senedd Lara Evans Cyfrannydd

Katherine Mallett Contributor

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ydd pobl ifanc 16 ac 17 yn cael pleidleisio yn etholiad nesaf Senedd Cymru yn 2021. Daw hyn wedi pleidlais gan Aelodau Senedd Cymru yr wythnos ddiwethaf. Ond, nid oedd pawb yn y siambr yn cytuno gyda’r newid yn yr oedran pleidleisio, er i’r bleidlais ennill yn y pendraw gyda 41 o bleidleisiau o blaid ac 19 yn erbyn. Mae’r newid hwn yn golygu y bydd Cymru yn dilyn yr Alban i roi’r hawl i bobl 16 ac 17 oed bleidleisio. I ddarllen barn Lara, ewch i dudalen 6.

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he end of term is around the corner, and with that comes the chance to spend several weeks at home with our families. But, it also means saying goodbye to your university friends for this time too. It’s important to stay in touch with your university mates during the holidays so that when you come back next term, it’s like you never left each other’s side. Perhaps even arrange to meet up over the holidays, that’s one of Katherine Mallett’s advice. Turn to page 19 to read more of Katherine’s tips. 19


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