Obama Admin Sues Pro-Life Sidewalk Counselor Over Misdemeanor

[juliee]

Obama Admin Sues Pro-Life Sidewalk Counselor Over Misdemeanor

Louisville, KY – The Obama administration has filed a lawsuit against a pro-life protester who was given community server over a minor charge associated with his efforts to help women find abortion alternatives.

LifeNews.com/state-5767

 

[catholictiger]

Obama Admin Sues Pro-Life Sidewalk Counselor Over Misdemeanor

Louisville, KY – The Obama administration has filed a lawsuit against a pro-life protester who was given community server over a minor charge associated with his efforts to help women find abortion alternatives.

LifeNews.com/state-5767

wow I never thought I could dislike obama more then I currently do but this made me dislike the guy even more. Voting against him in 2012 will feel so good.

but why would they do something like this, he completed his sentence and i don’t think the guy has done anything since. I really hope obama loses this fight.

but it makes no since why he would do this, oh well.

 

[Barbkw]

Sues. The Executive branch of our Federal government sues a private citizen.

Liberal Democrats at their sleaziest.

 

[Sherry_G]

Time for all of us to go pray in front of our local abortion mill. The more people engage in being a witness for life, praying for the salvation of the souls who participate in this atrocity, the better. Evil overtakes those who do nothing at all. The silent majority must awaken and participate, I know hundreds of people who believe that the killing of our unborn children is wrong, but they are unwilling to make a stand or a public witness. All that is necessary for evil to progress is for good people to do nothing. Pray and be a witness for truth so that the freedom to do so is not stripped from us. It seems as though that is truly where we are headed. Speak out against evil. Pray for fortitude. And, vote, of course!

 

[gamewell45]

I’m not defending the Obama administration, but it goes to show that you should never, ever put you hands on another person without their permission. If this man had kept his hands to himself, he wouldn’t be in this situation right now and he still would have gotten his message across to the person he was speaking to.

Instead, he ended up getting arrested; most likely had to hire an attorney at his expense and had to do community time and now stands accused of violating some federal statue, which means he’s probably going to have to hire another attorney to defend him. Not too smart on his part.

 

[genevievelives]

Time for all of us to go pray in front of our local abortion mill.

Just don’t make physical contact with patient or staff member as you pray.

“Hamilton was arrested for moving the arm of a clinic escort out of his way as he attempted to present alternatives information to one woman going towards the center entrance …”

The 1994 Freedom of Access To Clinic Entrances Act was put in place for a reason. This young man’s behavior violated that Act.

gen

 

[catholictiger]

Just don’t make physical contact with patient or staff member as you pray.

"Hamilton was arrested for moving the arm of a clinic escort out of his way as he attempted to present alternatives information to one woman going towards the center entrance …"

The 1994 Freedom of Access To Clinic Entrances Act was put in place for a reason. This young man’s behavior violated that Act.

gen

so he broke the law ok whatever, buy why would the president sue this guy seems like a waste of the presidents time

 

[JimG]

This what the person accused had to say:
“I never touched the girl going into the clinic,” he said of what happened in January. “I didn’t come close to touching her. I said what I had to say and kept walking.”

His attorney, Vincent Heuser Jr., said that the lawsuit is “absolutely ludicrous” and that Hamilton’s guilt in the incident was “seriously doubtful” because the officer who charged him with disorderly conduct was not in a position to see what happened.

The FACE Act, of course, was passed precisely to discourage sidewalk counseling by pro-life persons at abortion clinics. Looks like the Obama administration wants to find a case to set an example to dissuade pro-life protesters.

 

[genevievelives]

so he broke the law ok whatever, buy why would the president sue this guy seems like a waste of the presidents time

Seems to me the President gets to spend his time as he sees fit, just like the rest of us.

gen

 

[genevievelives]

This what the person accused had to say:
“I never touched the girl going into the clinic,” he said of what happened in January. “I didn’t come close to touching her. I said what I had to say and kept walking.”

His attorney, Vincent Heuser Jr., said that the lawsuit is “absolutely ludicrous” and that Hamilton’s guilt in the incident was “seriously doubtful” because the officer who charged him with disorderly conduct was not in a position to see what happened.

The FACE Act, of course, was passed precisely to discourage sidewalk counseling by pro-life persons at abortion clinics. Looks like the Obama administration wants to find a case to set an example to dissuade pro-life protesters.

He did not touch the girl. He touched the girl’s escort, a person who was entrusted to safely transport her into the clinic. "Hamilton was arrested for moving the arm of a clinic escort out of his way as he attempted to present alternatives information to one woman going towards the center entrance."

Of course his attorney would posit that the lawsuit is “absolutely ludicrous” - he is Mr. Hamilton’s paid mouthpiece. That is his job.

The FACE Act is in place to protect patients from interference upon entering or exiting a facility which provides reproductive services.

"Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrances (FACE) Act – Statute 18 U.S.C.
"§ 248. Freedom of access to clinic entrances

“Section (e) (2) Interfere with.–The term ‘interfere with’ means to restrict a person’s freedom of movement.”

Even if claims by the officer who charged the man with disorderly conduct are dropped, if the patient or the escort chooses to press charges, would that not be an option open to them? I would encourage them to do so. It is illegal to cross those boundaries, no matter what good and great message one presumes to carry.

gen

 

[JimG]

He did not touch the girl. He touched the girl’s escort, a person who was entrusted to safely transport her into the clinic. "Hamilton was arrested for moving the arm of a clinic escort out of his way as he attempted to present alternatives information to one woman going towards the center entrance."

Of course his attorney would posit that the lawsuit is “absolutely ludicrous” - he is Mr. Hamilton’s paid mouthpiece. That is his job.

The FACE Act is in place to protect patients from interference upon entering or exiting a facility which provides reproductive services.

"Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrances (FACE) Act – Statute 18 U.S.C.
"§ 248. Freedom of access to clinic entrances

“Section (e) (2) Interfere with.–The term ‘interfere with’ means to restrict a person’s freedom of movement.”

Even if claims by the officer who charged the man with disorderly conduct are dropped, if the patient or the escort chooses to press charges, would that not be an option open to them? I would encourage them to do so. It is illegal to cross those boundaries, no matter what good and great message one presumes to carry.

gen

According to the article, it is not the patient or the clinic which is pursuing the lawsuit, but the Obama administration. The misdemeanor charge was dismissed after the defendant completed eight hours of community service. The director of the abortion clinic says he does not recall the incident.

 

[JimG]

In a rather unusual twist to the FACE Act, it seems it can also be used to prevent women from being subjected to forced abortion.

 

[Sherry_G]

Just don’t make physical contact with patient or staff member as you pray.

"Hamilton was arrested for moving the arm of a clinic escort out of his way as he attempted to present alternatives information to one woman going towards the center entrance …"

The 1994 Freedom of Access To Clinic Entrances Act was put in place for a reason. This young man’s behavior violated that Act.

gen

Again, I say, let’s all go pray in front of the abortion mills. Last time I checked, praying is not a contact sport. Prayer works when nothing else will. All the poor misguided lost souls who participate in this evil work of the devil need our prayers. One incident of a frivolous lawsuit being brought against one sidewalk counselor is nothing compared to all the unborn saved from an untimely death at the hands of abortionists.

 

[genevievelives]

Again, I say, let’s all go pray in front of the abortion mills. Last time I checked, praying is not a contact sport. Prayer works when nothing else will. All the poor misguided lost souls who participate in this evil work of the devil need our prayers. One incident of a frivolous lawsuit being brought against one sidewalk counselor is nothing compared to all the unborn saved from an untimely death at the hands of abortionists.

Is a prayer offered in front of a medical facility where abortions are performed louder, or does it carry more weight, than a prayer offered at home or at church? If one is counting on a cumulative effect through sheer numbers of those praying, why can’t it be done in someone’s home or in church? That way no boundaries are crossed, no one is arrested or charged, and God gets the message. Agreed?

gen

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Is a prayer offered in front of a medical facility where abortions are performed louder, or does it carry more weight, than a prayer offered at home or at church? If one is counting on a cumulative effect through sheer numbers of those praying, why can’t it be done in someone’s home or in church? That way no boundaries are crossed, no one is arrested or charged, and God gets the message. Agreed?

gen

Because the clinic workers and the women going in can see that people are there, we care, we are praying for them, and that we aren’t invisible. If no one goes to the killing centers, they carry on with no opposition. Some women will pass by and never go in when they see people praying in front of the clinic.

Can you imagine the effect if every Planned Parenthood clinic was surrounded by peacefully praying Catholics and Christians, especially including priests and other religious? There are clinic workers who hate their jobs and don’t have the courage to quit.

The Director of the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Bryan, Texas quit and came over to the pro-life side after seeing an ultrasound-guided abortion. She had seen the 40 Days for Life volunteers in front of her clinic so she knew where their office was. She had somewhere to go when she couldn’t face one more minute inside the PP death center.

Everyone needs to obey strict rules when at the death center. NO TOUCHING no matter what! The death-scorts will shove us out of their way, step on our feet, insult us, we CANNOT respond in any way. I try to keep out of their way as much as possible without allowing them to intimidate me.

If I see anyone at the clinic starting to get confrontational, it’s time to let them know that they can be arrested. In fact one woman had the police called on her because she was following the escorts too closely. She was being somewhat aggressive, but they had no grounds to have her arrested. But the officer handcuffed her while he talked to everyone.

Never go to PP or any other abortion center alone. You must have at least one witness who can stand up for you. Take a digital camera with you too. And your cell phone. And go as the representative of your local pro-life coalition, they have legal help and possibly a police liason who can intercede.

it is nothing to be afraid of. The escorts are trying to terrorize and intimidate us away. It’s obvious where the Obama administration stands, too.

 

[JimG]

Is a prayer offered in front of a medical facility where abortions are performed louder, or does it carry more weight, than a prayer offered at home or at church? If one is counting on a cumulative effect through sheer numbers of those praying, why can’t it be done in someone’s home or in church? That way no boundaries are crossed, no one is arrested or charged, and God gets the message. Agreed?

gen

Prayer by a group on a public sidewalk in front of a place where evil is accomplished can be powerful, and can save lives and souls. Prayer is powerful, no matter where practiced, but public prayer is also a public witness.

It seems to me that those who first advanced the FACE act hoped to intimidate pro-lifers from making any public display in front of abortion clinics, for fear of that they might be charged with violation of the act and being subjected to fines. A charge, even if false, can be traumatic and costly. Though not, perhaps, so traumatic as having a life snuffed out, or so costly as having a lifetime of regret after succumbing to pressure to abort.

 

[Sherry_G]

Is a prayer offered in front of a medical facility where abortions are performed louder, or does it carry more weight, than a prayer offered at home or at church? If one is counting on a cumulative effect through sheer numbers of those praying, why can’t it be done in someone’s home or in church? That way no boundaries are crossed, no one is arrested or charged, and God gets the message. Agreed?

gen

Nope, not the same at all. Praying infront of the facility where those intending to go in and let their baby be killed are very much affected, by our witness. I have been there, seen people go in, then come back out and talk with us asking for some real help. We counsel them when they ask and get them to a real womens health facility where they can see their unborn child on a sonogram, get whatever guidance they need, help with housing, parenting skills, support in all ways that really do help. Even those who actually go through with the abortion, sometime come for help after leaving there knowing what a terrible mistake they’ve made. We show them God’s love and mercy in a very real and tangible way. If all you can do is pray at home, of course God hears the prayers, but being there as a witness to the truth is very important work. Countless lives have been saved and this work will continue.

 

[genevievelives]

Nope, not the same at all. Praying infront of the facility where those intending to go in and let their baby be killed are very much affected, by our witness. I have been there, seen people go in, then come back out and talk with us asking for some real help. We counsel them when they ask and get them to a real womens health facility where they can see their unborn child on a sonogram, get whatever guidance they need, help with housing, parenting skills, support in all ways that really do help. Even those who actually go through with the abortion, sometime come for help after leaving there knowing what a terrible mistake they’ve made. We show them God’s love and mercy in a very real and tangible way. If all you can do is pray at home, of course God hears the prayers, but being there as a witness to the truth is very important work. Countless lives have been saved and this work will continue.

I have no doubt that this work will continue, and I’m glad you said that “countless lives have been saved”: no one knows how many - or how few - women have changed their minds about termination because of a few sidewalk prayer offerings. They may leave during Thursday’s prayers and return the following Monday and no one praying Thursday would know it. If they enter the building and leave, Maybe they have changed their own minds and that those praying are taking credit. It may be God working, it may be that they don’t have the cash. We’ll never know.
*
“We show them God’s love and mercy in a very real and tangible way,”* you say, after they have terminated their pregnancies and feel remorse. What do you do, there, on the sidewalk, to help them? Do you give them rides to church? Do you give them rosaries? Do you give them food? Do you follow up? Do you keep anonymous statistics?

Many abortion facilities ultrasound the fetuses and the mother has a choice to view the screen or not. Most choose not to.

gen

 

[RobbyS]

Is a prayer offered in front of a medical facility where abortions are performed louder, or does it carry more weight, than a prayer offered at home or at church? If one is counting on a cumulative effect through sheer numbers of those praying, why can’t it be done in someone’s home or in church? That way no boundaries are crossed, no one is arrested or charged, and God gets the message. Agreed?

gen

No, The objection here is that the punishment ought to fit the crime. Why make a federal case out of it when the local authorities have already decided the matter? Obviously the administration is acting on political motives, to please a major political ally, the abortion industry.

 

[RobbyS]

I have no doubt that this work will continue, and I’m glad you said that “countless lives have been saved”: no one knows how many - or how few - women have changed their minds about termination because of a few sidewalk prayer offerings. They may leave during Thursday’s prayers and return the following Monday and no one praying Thursday would know it. If they enter the building and leave, Maybe they have changed their own minds and that those praying are taking credit. It may be God working, it may be that they don’t have the cash. We’ll never know.
*
“We show them God’s love and mercy in a very real and tangible way,”* you say, after they have terminated their pregnancies and feel remorse. What do you do, there, on the sidewalk, to help them? Do you give them rides to church? Do you give them rosaries? Do you give them food? Do you follow up? Do you keep anonymous statistics?

Many abortion facilities ultrasound the fetuses and the mother has a choice to view the screen or not. Most choose not to.

gen

I think you are being disingenuous. In many cases, people who sought to help in this fashion would be charged with hassling the patient.