Barbara Kennelly: “imagine going to work everyday, and being forced to run a gauntlet of protesters, some of whom threaten your life.…”

“imagine going to work everyday, and being forced to run a gauntlet of protesters, some of whom threaten your life. Imagine being in a profession where colleagues have been shot and killed. Imagine having your spouse and children threatened, and not knowing if your family is safe. Too many health care providers in this country do not have to use their imagination to picture these scenarios. All they have to do is show up for work. Violence at reproductive health care clinics is on the rise. This bill is needed to help stop the violence, and the deadly assaults. This is not a free speech issue. This is an issue concerning behavior. Protesters will still be able to express their views in a serious way. This is an anti-violence bill. We have waited too long to extend this protection against violence. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bill.”