FLN: Faith Under Fire: Sidewalk Counselors win a local victory, amid a national delay

Fighting the City Council to Protect Prolife Sidewalk Counselors' Rights

the Faith Under Fire podcast

"Women are being denied true choice as they are bullied into the only option that is offered by the abortion advocates" -- Brian Westbrook

This week (February 24) the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a case based on a Carbondale, Illinois, ordinance which forbid displays and conversations led by prolife advocates within 100 feet of a clinic which provides or counsels for abortion.

The Coalition Life organizaton brought a federal lawsuit, alleging that the ordinance unconstitutionally restrict the First Amendment rights of those who wanted to offer information about alternatives to abortion to potential clients entering the three facilities there.

Executive Director Brian Westbrook gives us the story of the development of the ordinance, the lawsuit, and how the council rescinded the ordinance after public pressure. Not only that, Westbrook also talks about the lessons learned which can apply for prolifers everywhere, who want to save babies and support women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Here is how a local news report described the situation, the legal battle, and the Coalition's reactions to this week's decision at the Supreme Court:  The Daily Egyptian's story

Read this week's dissent from Justice Clarence Thomas to which Westbrook referred. Four justices would have had to agree to hear oral arguments in the case, but only two voted to do so, after Coalition v Carbondale set on the Court's docket for four months.

Here is a link to how the Thomas More Society views the limitations on sidewalk counselors, as they led the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. That law firm provides legal work for individuals and organizations who allege violations of their Constitutional rights.

For further information:

• Coalition Life describes itself as "America's largest professional sidewalk counseling orgainzation":  ...website   ...YouTube
• Brian Westbrook founded Coalition Life in 2009:  ...biography

A special news feature from Family Life that examines some of the religous battle grounds in our country and the efforts to protect religious freedom.