Norvell Emerson: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the rule and to the conference report of the Freedom of Access to…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the rule and to the conference report of the Freedom of Access to Clinics Act. As I have stated before, I do not agree with the thrust of this legislation which targets one particular group supporting one side of an issue. This legislation treats the two sides of an issue differently by unfairly protecting one side from criminal penalties. This legislation is unfair. Also, this legislation raises serious questions about rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. If this conference report is enacted it will in effect make civil disobedience impossible in America. This bill discourages individuals who feel strongly about an issue from exercising their Constitutional rights. It should be noted that civil disobedience is the last resort of a powerless minority committed enough to a particular issue to vote with their bodies. If this bill is enacted, those wishing to engage in peaceful protests will have to do so in fear of violating Federal law. This legislation is unconstitutional. This legislation is unnecessary. It violates equal protection by penalizing people for their beliefs.”