RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 21, 2011/Christian Newswire --
Today, attorneys for the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and the Thomas More Society agreed to the entry of a preliminary injunction that will allow prayer and demonstration to resume at the entrance to the city's lone abortion clinic. The agreement, which will be in effect until the city amends its ordinances, was reached on the eve of a hearing on the matter before U.S. District Judge Terance W. Boyle. Attorneys for the city and the Thomas More Society have pledged to collaboratively work towards an amicable resolution to the lawsuit.
"We are pleased the city of Jacksonville has agreed to allow the demonstrators to continue their ministry during the lawsuit. This is a big victory for the First Amendment rights of pro-life people everywhere," said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the Thomas More Society. "We are hopeful for a successful resolution of this lawsuit that will protect First Amendment rights for the long term."
The dispute arose when lead plaintiff, Dr. Bartolo Spano, along with other local residents were forbidden from praying and picketing outside the front entrance of the Crist Clinic for Women, a Jacksonville abortion facility. The Thomas More Society's suit argues that the First Amendment protects these pro-life advocates' right to peacefully protest outside the Clinic. According to the suit, city authorities had denied the plaintiffs a permit to demonstrate, citing "public safety concerns," including that vehicles may leave the roadway and strike the demonstrators. This city has conceded that its Parade and Public Assembly Ordinance will need to be amended.
The injunction is available here.
