Everett removes barriers at abortion protest site after complaints from pro-life group
A conservative right-wing group threatened to sue the city of Everett if pro-life protesters were not given equal access to the protest site.
EVERETT, Washington – The city of Everett has torn down barricades to keep the peace between pro-life and pro-choice protesters outside a planned parenting clinic in town.
The weekly demonstrations have been held on the site for over a year, but this spring they started heating up with occasional skirmishes on the sidewalk.
In April, Everett Police put up barricades to create a buffer zone to keep the sides apart.
This prompted the conservative right-wing group Thomas More Society to send a letter to Everett’s prosecutor informing him that the buffer zone was in violation of the First Amendment by keeping pro-life protesters farther from the facility than the pro-choice -Page.
A city spokesman said the buffer zone was always intended to be temporary to protect patients from harassment.
“After a month of no additional concern, the police concluded that the risk to public safety was minimal and lifted the temporary restrictions believing that individuals could avoid conflict without barriers or designated protest areas,” the spokesman said .
The Thomas More Society has fought similar battles across the country. Attorney Matt Heffron said the reason for the city’s action is clear.
“You did the right thing or we would have sued you. We prepared a lawsuit the day the city pulled down the barriers. We would have won the lawsuit without a doubt and the city should have paid our legal fees.” Fees.”
Heffron estimated these fees to be about $ 500,000.
Washington has a law on the books that makes it illegal to interfere with access to or disrupt the normal functioning of a health facility.
Peaceful demonstrations in front of an abortion clinic are protected by the first amendment to the constitution.
Some of the anti-abortion protesters call themselves “street counselors” and turn to women who enter a clinic to offer information about adoption. Some carry signs with grotesque images of fetuses. Others hold cardboard posters calling abortion “murder”.
Abortion rights supporters will escort women to and from a clinic when necessary and have been accused of profaning their colleagues.
On Wednesday, four Everett police cruisers stayed at the protest site until all of the protesters left. Despite their presence, there were a few minor scuffles with people pushing and pushing.
Both sides are deeply rooted in philosophy and unwilling to give in an inch physically.
“There’s no conversation with them. It’s just awful,” said pro-life attorney Cheryl Delhagen.
“How do you respect someone who wants to take away other people’s rights?” In-demand election supporter Janean Desmarais.
Both Pro-Choice and Pro-Life supporters said the demonstrations will continue for the foreseeable future.