Woman told to change 'abortion is health care' shirt before entering Sask. Legislature

An abortion rights activist was asked to turn her shirt inside out to gain entry to the Saskatchewan Legislature as a visitor Wednesday.

Megan Johnston launched a billboard campaign this summer focused on the phrase Abortion is Health Care.

Johnston's shirt had the same phrase.

She and abortion rights groups and providers were at the Saskatchewan Legislature on Wednesday as guests of the Opposition to call for the provincial government to improve abortion access.

The groups attended question period inside the legislature.

Johnston said that when she took her coat off after entering the building, security at the front entrance told her she had to change.

"I could not wear my shirt into the building and I had to turn it inside out," she said. "I was escorted by security to the bathroom to ensure my shirt was turned inside out so that word — I'm assuming 'abortion' not 'health care' — was not visible in the room."

CBC reached out to the government for comment and was told it was looking into the issue and would provide a response Thursday.

This fall, a new team took over security inside and outside the building, replacing the sergeant-at-arms and his staff.

Bill 70, passed in the spring, saw the government appoint a security director, leaving the sergeant-at-arms only in charge of security and safety inside the assembly. 

The legislative assembly website indicates visitors are not to hold demonstrations inside the building.

"Demonstrations are not permitted within the Legislative Building. No placards, megaphones, or anything that might be used as part of a demonstration may be brought into the building."

Johnston said her shirt is non-controversial and not a demonstration but a fact.

"I was shocked. I was surprised. I thought, what if I was wearing a shirt that said knee surgery is health care or optometry is health care?"