Disability activism is not the sole province of the left or of the right

Disability-related movements are fairly well-known for bringing together people of different classes, backgrounds, experiences and political persuasions. In the case of assisted dying here in Canada, there can be a sense that, because many people who oppose it are also part of the “pro-life” movement, everyone who sides with them on this issue must share those commitments and be in favour of implementing a faith-based agenda more broadly.

 
While many who oppose assisted dying are indeed conservative, whether by party or outlook, there are also progressives who have serious concerns about it and have expressed anger over having others suggest they are being co-opted by the religious right[1]. Any activist movement of any kind is going to have to forge a coalition or an alliance with people they don’t necessarily agree with on every point. To be successful, they have to learn how to work together. This does not mean that journalists should refuse to speak to sources who are part of a coalition because of one element in the coalition. Nor does it mean that we journalists can dismiss every action or demand as the work of a fringe element.