Chris Smith: “Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, sidewalk counselors and peaceful protesters have sought to reach the hearts and minds of…”

“Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, sidewalk counselors and peaceful protesters have sought to reach the hearts and minds of mothers outside abortion mills with the truth about abortion and the fact that nonviolent alternatives are available. Such altruism and selfless love for both the woman and her baby requires tremendous personal sacrifice especially of late. The multimillion-dollar abortion industry's propaganda machine has worked overtime in recent years to link nonviolent acts of civil disobedience and peaceful dissent with those few misguided fanatics who employ violence as a means to an end. Let me state unequivocally that violence by either side is morally repugnant and has absolutely no place in our struggle to end the child abuse called abortion on demand. Let me remind Members, as well, that the Smith substitute to this bill that the House considered last November--that garnered the support of 177 Members--imposed penalties on those of either side who use or threaten to use force. Under the facade of getting tough on those few people who bomb abortion mills or use violence, the House is poised to stack the deck against peaceful pro-life activists so as to make them prey, an easy mark for ruinous prosecution and civil suits.”