Austin, Texas, Oct 11, 2011 / 23:01 pm
The Catholic Diocese of Austin and three pregnancy resource centers have filed a lawsuit against the City of Austin charging that its ordinance unconstitutionally requires the centers to post signs stating that they do not provide abortions and birth control.
“The Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, Catholic Charities of Central Texas and the Gabriel Project of Austin provide women in crisis pregnancy with life affirming options,” said Bishop Joseph Vasquez of Austin. “The ordinance enacted by the City of Austin impedes our ability to perform this ministry effectively and it is unjust. We turn now to the courts to protect our constitutional rights.”
The Plano, Texas-based Liberty Institute filed the lawsuit on behalf of the diocese, Catholic Charities of Central Texas, the Austin Pregnancy Resource Center and the South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center.
“The decision by the Austin City Council to compel false and misleading speech is a clear violation of the pregnancy centers’ constitutional rights and is a despicable ploy to deter women and families from using these charitable centers,” said Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at the institute.