Nancy Kassebaum: “I agree with the need to enact Federal legislation which will enable the Department of Justice and the Federal judiciary…”

“I agree with the need to enact Federal legislation which will enable the Department of Justice and the Federal judiciary to intervene when protests escalate to the level of violence and destruction that have been directed against abortion clinics in our country. The freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution does not include bombings, vandalism, assault, arson, destruction of property, and physically preventing people from entering medical clinics. Unfortunately, it took the murder of Dr. David Gunn in Pensacola, FL, for many people to recognize the danger in the escalating pattern of violence that has been directed against abortion providers in this country. Wichita, KA, was the site of one of the longest, most widely publicized clinic blockade actions. Operation Rescue's 'Summer of Mercy' in 1991 tore my own city of Wichita apart--and deepened the divisions between those who support the legality of abortion and those who oppose. The protest created a climate of intolerance and anger which permeated Wichita.”