SDLP members have been allowed the freedom to vote as they see fit on abortion matters even if it goes against the party’s pro-life position.
Around 100 members of the party attended a special conference on Saturday.
Anti-abortion group Pro-Life staged a protest outside the Maghera venue by campaigners of the anti-abortion group Precious Life and there were reports of confrontations as delegates entered.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the party said: “The SDLP membership reaffirmed our position as a pro-life party. The conference also supported freedom of conscience voting for elected representatives.”
The party’s easing of restrictions comes ahead of Friday’s vote in the Republic on the Eighth amendment of the Irish constitution on its strict abortion laws.
The vote means SDLP members are free to voice their opinions on the referendum.
Both party leader Colum Eastwood and his deputy Nichola Mallon supported a free vote, the BBC reported.
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