Rockford, Ill., Feb 10, 2010 / 18:02 pm
Objections from pro-life advocates have prompted Rockford, Illinois city officials to reconsider a proposed abortion clinic “bubble zone” ordinance. The critics cited free speech concerns and argued the ordinance would defend the anti-Christian “bigotry” displayed by clinic staff.
The Chicago-based Thomas More Society had sent a letter to Rockford’s mayor and aldermen which argued the law was an unconstitutional violation of protesters’ free speech. The letter also claimed the proposal was “anti-choice” because it would deprive expectant mothers of a genuine chance to make a fully informed decision.
The Society noted that Illinois' Labor Dispute Act precludes municipal regulation of labor picketing and would render the “bubble zone” discriminatory on the basis of viewpoint and thus illegal.
Local pro-life advocates argued the ordinance would overlook and validate the display of obscene images and harassment of protesters at the Northern Illinois Women's Center.