Congress Restricts Dissent Tactics of Pro-life Activists

Pro-life groups are poised to challenge the legality of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) passed by Congress just before Thanksgiving.

A conference committee is expected to iron out differences in Senate and House versions this month, and President Clinton intends to sign the bill.

“If this is signed into law, we will sue the federal government the very next day on behalf of pro-lifers,” says Judie Brown, president of the American Life League. “We will defend their right to picket, sidewalk counsel, and pray.” Such peaceful protest would be a federal crime under FACE, Brown and other pro-life leaders say. The bill creates prison terms and fines for anyone who makes entrance to a “reproductive health services” facility “unreasonably difficult.” In addition, those claiming obstruction could recover unlimited civil penalties.

“We are in the works to enjoin the bill constitutionally because of vagueness and the discriminatory aspect of enforcement,” says Keith Tucci, Operation Rescue National (ORN) executive director. “This could bring an end to religious free speech. Sidewalk preachers and door-to-door evangelism may be next.”

Pro-life leaders say laws will not stop fanatics with firebombs or guns. Tucci decries the fact that representatives from ORN—whose activists have never been convicted of damaging property or harming anyone—were not allowed to testify before Congress. He believes the bill passed under a “cloak of violence hysteria” (CT, Nov. 8, 1993, p. 40) with many “turncoat” Republicans in the 69-to-30 vote. The House passed the measure on a voice vote. An amendment by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) to exempt those standing or kneeling in prayer at abortion facilities failed 255 to 177.

The conference committee must meld a Senate version calling for six-month jail terms and $10,000 maximum fines with a House plan with one-year terms and $100,000 fines. A House amendment—which passed 345 to 90—exempts parents attempting to stop unmarried daughters under 18 from obtaining an abortion. The day the Senate passed the bill the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a Mississippi law requiring two-parent consent for minor girls.

An amendment offered by Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) would extend the same penalties to those who destroy property or threaten to use force at churches. However, abortion activists who taunt pro-lifers at abortion facilities would not be subjected to any penalties under FACE.

By John W. Kennedy.

Circulation Statement

Statement required by the act of August 12, 1970, section 3685, Title 39, United States Code, showing ownership, management, and circulation of CHRISTIANITY TODAY. Published 15 times per year at 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. The names and addresses of the publisher and editors are: Publisher, Harold L. Myra, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188; Editorial Director, Harold L. Myra, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188; Executive Editor, David Neff, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. The owner is CHRISTIANITY TODAY, INC., 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. The known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities are: None. Total no. copies printed: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 193,143; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 190,339. Paid Circulation:—1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,976; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 3,950. 2. Mail subscriptions: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 179,984; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 171,466. Total paid circulation: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 182,960; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 175,416. Free distribution: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 7,698; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 13,405. Copies not distributed:—Office use, left over, unaccounted, spoiled after printing: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,663; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 1,518. Returns from News Agents: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 822; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. Total: Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 193,143; actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 190,339. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Our Latest

The Black Women Missing from Our Pews

America’s most churched demographic is slipping from religious life. We must go after them.

The Still Small Voice in the Deer Stand

Since childhood, each hunting season out in God’s creation has healed wounds and deepened my faith.

Play Those Chocolate Sprinkles, Rend Collective!

The Irish band’s new album “FOLK!” proclaims joy after suffering.

News

Wall Street’s Most Famous Evangelical Sentenced in Unprecedented Fraud Case

Judge gives former billionaire Bill Hwang 18 years in prison for crimes that outweigh his “lifetime” of “charitable works.”

Public Theology Project

How a Dark Sense of Humor Can Save You from Cynicism

A bit of gallows humor can remind us that death does not have the final word.

News

Died: Rina Seixas, Iconic Surfer Pastor Who Faced Domestic Violence Charges

The Brazilian founder of Bola de Neve Church, which attracted celebrities and catalyzed 500 congregations on six continents, faced accusations from family members and a former colleague.

Review

The Quiet Faith Behind Little House on the Prairie

How a sincere but reserved Christianity influenced the life and literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

‘Bonhoeffer’ Bears Little Resemblance to Reality

The new biopic from Angel Studios twists the theologian’s life and thought to make a political point.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube