With the University track team practicing nearby, members of the Defend the Defenseless pro-life rally clashed with protesters of The Response on Saturday morning in front of the PMAC.
The pro-life supporters prayed quietly as they were met with chants of “Her body is her choice” and “What is Jindal doing here?”
People of all ages came together to pray and sing hymns at the Greek Ampitheatre before making the half-mile trek to the PMAC.
Gov. Bobby Jindal attended the Louisiana Right to Life Federation’s annual march, but he didn’t have much to say on the issue of abortion. Instead skirted around his speculated run for the White House and highlighted the day’s prayer rally.
“The Response is not a partisan or political event. It’s not about candidates or endorsements. It’s about praying to God and coming together and praying for healing and spiritual revival,” Jindal said. “There is no collection plate. Nobody is profiting. This is all about coming to God.”
Once inside the PMAC, members of the pro-life march became indistinguishable from the The Response supporters. No banners or signs were allowed into the PMAC as the groups blended together.
Ben Kappler, director of the Louisiana Right to Life, said the organization chose the University because the Capitol was under construction and they needed another venue.
The Response rally and support from LSU Students for Life were main factors in hosting the march on campus, Kappler said.
“We have a great college movement here with Students for Life. They wanted us to come, so here we are,” Kappler said.
Kappler said he believes his organization played a role in decreasing the number of abortions in the state over the past 20 years.
Louisiana Students for Life development director Bradley Jouty attended the event representing the organization.
Jouty said the group aims to change people’s hearts as well as the law.
“We want to help make abortion illegal, but we also want to reach the point where people don’t even think about abortion,” Jouty said.
Joutysaid the group is not affiliated with any religious organization.
LSUPD was in full force providing security as the events between both groups played out peacefully.
