Protect Women and Churches From Violence: Vote No On HB 589

I urge you to vote NO on House Bill 589, which seeks to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. This bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, is an attempt to eliminate a critical federal law that protects both reproductive health clinics and houses of worship from violence and physical obstruction. The FACE Act was passed by Congress in 1994 after an anti-abortion activist murdered abortion clinic director Dr. David Gunn, and six months after another anti-abortion activist shot Dr. George Tiller outside his clinic. The Act made it a federal crime to use or threaten force or otherwise physically obstruct people from obtaining or providing reproductive health care. This includes both abortion clinics and crisis pregnancy centers, and it also protects places of religious worship from similar types of blockades and violence. Repealing the FACE Act would be unconscionable. When enforced, the FACE Act is an effective and important tool to keep people safe. Before the FACE Act, between 1977 and 2009, the National Abortion Federation recorded numerous incidents of violence, including nine murders, 17 attempted murders, 179 assaults, and 41 bombings at clinics. Proponents of the repeal, such as Rep. Roy, argue the FACE Act has been "weaponized," particularly by the Biden administration, against anti-abortion protesters. They have claimed it targets individuals merely praying outside clinics, though at least one specific case referenced was fact-checked as involving blockading clinic doors with bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes, not just praying. Rep. Roy also stated his goal is to alleviate politicization and he has reservations about overcriminalization. However, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, and ranking member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, said that the effort to repeal the law is "sending out disturbing signals when it comes to violence against women". Several Democratic congresswomen, including Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania, spoke against the bill, warning that repealing the FACE Act would invite anti-abortion extremists to use violence and threats of intimidation everywhere. As Rep. Scanlon stated, "No one should be denied medical care because of someone else’s religious or political beliefs, and everyone deserves the freedom to provide or seek appropriate medical care without threats to their safety". It is notable that even some Republicans on the committee did not support a full repeal. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, agreed that the act was "abused" by the Biden administration, but he said that was not a reason to repeal the law, suggesting it should instead be amended to tighten its enforcement. It is vital that we maintain federal protections against violence and obstruction. Please stand with your constituents who believe in safety, access to healthcare, and the protection of religious institutions. Vote NO on House Bill 589 and uphold the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.