Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mr. Newman is flying to Australia right now and will arrive there in the late afternoon American time.

Mr. Newman was scheduled to conduct a speaking tour of Australia to discuss the Planned Parenthood exposé videos.

Pro-life leaders to hold news conference outside of the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. today at 3:00 P.M. to discuss the situation and attempt to meet with Australian government officials.

The Australia Embassy is located at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW in Washington, D.C.

Pro-life leaders troubled and concerned by Australia's lack of commitment and crushing of free speech rights and open public dialogue.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, states;

"It is deeply troubling and disturbing that the Australian government would crush free speech rights by denying Troy Newman entry into their country. It is important for every free nation of the world to respect and honor free speech and civil discourse within the public square.

"I have known Mr. Newman for over 25 years and he has always been an advocate for peaceful and prayerful intervention in  ending the violence of abortion in America and around the world.  Mr. Newman has never advocated violence nor has he ever been convicted of an act of violence.  Operation Rescue has had over 70,000 people arrested for their peaceful witness at abortion clinics without one conviction of a violent act.

"This makes Operation Rescue the most peaceful social justice movement in American history.

"It is shocking that a nation with as rich a history as Australia in protecting human rights, would act in such a harsh and intolerant manner by attacking and disrespecting the peaceful beliefs and views of an American citizen.

"We call upon the Australian government to embrace human rights and and free speech and allow Mr. Newman into their country to complete his speaking tour."

Mark Harrington, Director of Created Equal, adds;

"The revocation of Troy Newman's visa is the most recent episode in a series of attacks against his character. Troy has never advocated violence.

"This is nothing more than a smear campaign against one of the most effective pro-life activist in the world because of his recent contribution to the undercover videos of Planned Parenthood harvesting and trafficking in aborted baby parts.

"Troy and Operation Rescue were the first to denounce the murder of George Tiller.

"I have known Troy for twenty years. He has always stood firm in his commitment to peaceful activism to stop abortion through legal means. This political witch hunt needs to end and he needs to be free to travel as he wishes."

For more information or interviews call

Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741