Biotech foes begin teach-ins

 

 

by Suzanne Rico

HILLCREST, June 22 –    Thousands of protesters are expected to converge on San Diego to protest the Bio 2001 biotech conference at the San Diego Convention Center. Friday, some of the protest organizers held a teach-in to explain their opposition to the way corporations are using genetic research. 

The organizers are calling the educational panels the “Beyond Biodevastation Teach-in.” It is being held Friday and Saturday at the 1st Unitarian Church in Hillcrest.

Friday, dozens of scientists, lawyers and farmers discussed their opposition to genetically-altered foods and livestock in small group sessions at the church. They say the drugs and food products made through the biotechnology process are risky, endangering lives and possibly wreaking havoc with naturally-occurring gene pools.

The demonstrators are protesting a variety of biotechnologies. Some oppose genetically engineered "Frankenfoods." Others are angry about increasing corporate control of the world's food supply and patents held on genetic information. Others object to the use of animal organs and tissue for treating human diseases.

Abortion foes also will be out in force, protesting embryonic stem cell research. They fear scientists will create, clone and destroy embryos simply in the name of research. Proponents, though, argue that no other human cells offer as much promise for regenerating diseased tissue and attacking a host of diseases from Parkinson's to cancers.

The educational panels will give way to larger scale protests, rallies and street theater on Sunday, when the BIO 2001 conference begins. The protests are expected to continue through Thursday, when the Bio 2001 conference wraps up.

Should protesters get out of hand, police say they are prepared for mass arrests and arraignments. If protesters are arrested in groups of 25-50, a judge, clerk and court reporter will be sent to detention centers for on-site misdemeanor arraignments, court officials said. Those who are arrested and post bail will be arraigned in the usual manner. Those who don't make bail will be arraigned within 48 hours.