The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that aggressive pro-life protests do not violate Federal laws against racketeering, as the National Organization for Women has claimed. In a stunning 8-1 decision, the nation’s highest court completely exonerated Chicago pro-life leader Joseph Scheidler, Operation Rescue, and others and released them from having to pay $258,000 in judgments. The ruling also dissolved a national injunction ordering the groups not to interfere with abortion businesses around the country.

The suit was brought against peaceful protestors who routinely engaged in civil disobedience at abortion clinics in the late 80’s and early 90’s. NOW contended that the civil disobedience disrupted the clinics in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act and the Hobbs Act, two anti-racketeering laws.

Today, the Supreme Court overwhelmingly disagreed.
Read the rest of this entry »

Rescuer Ken Scott has been released from jail in Colorado after serving the first of three “disorderly conduct” sentences for preaching and reading Psalm 94 on a public sidewalk. In a letter to his supporters after his release, Ken wrote “Jo and I want to thank everyone that prayed for us, all those who sent letters to me in jail, and those of you who sent letters to Judge Jauch.” Within the next few weeks, Ken will probably return to jail to serve another “disorderly conduct” sentence. “As things stand right now we are back out at the mill and preparing for the next missionary tour in jail.” Read Ken’s letter… (mttu.com)