8 March 2005

Protestors greet Prince Charles

Prince Charles’ appearance in Civic Square today was met by women angry at the cancellation of the mobile breast-screening programme scheduled to run there today for his visit.

Breastfeeding mother, Lisa Brown said, “Over 600 women a year die of breast cancer in Aotearoa. It is incredible that on international women’s day we have given Charles’ visit priority over the 40 women booked for breast screenings.”

Another mother, Holly, was arrested for breastfeeding her son in Charles’ presence.

Hana Plant was also arrested for disorderly behaviour after removing her shirt to reveal the message, ‘Get your colonial shame off my breasts.”

On her release she said, “Going bare-breasted was normal in most pre-colonial cultures. If anyone should be ashamed it is Charles. His family have been responsible for centuries of land confiscation, cultural destruction and slaughter of indigenous peoples around the world.”

She questioned whether the cancellation of the breast screening programme was linked to a perception in the New Zealand media that Charles had been embarrassed by the by the breasts of Aboriginal women during a traditional welcome there.

Other protestors held banners saying, ‘Death to the Monarchy’ and asking Charles to ‘Honour the Treaty’.

ENDS

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