NY Attorney General Tries to Silence Free Speech

The Attorney General's lawsuit is based on the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) and similar New York laws. Enacted by Congress to prevent actual violence and physical obstruction of abortion facility entrances, Attorney General Schneiderman is using FACE to shut down pro-life speech. Schneiderman's disdain for free speech in general, and the pro-life message in particular, was made clear in his press conference announcing the lawsuit, where he said, "We are not a nation where you can choose your point of view," and that pro-life Christians "run their mouths" with "unlawful, un-American rhetoric." "It is obvious that Attorney General Schneiderman abhors the Christian, pro-life message of our client and is willing to twist the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to silence any opposition to abortion," said Roger Gannam, Liberty Counsel's Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs. "It is inexcusable for the highest legal officer of the State of New York to declare war on free speech and the pro-life message, and we hope the court will turn back this assault on our most cherished liberties," said Gannam.