Chris Smith: “Mr. Speaker, there is a profound difference between the actions of those persons who employ violence or the threat of…”

“Mr. Speaker, there is a profound difference between the actions of those persons who employ violence or the threat of violence as a means to an end and those who engage in peaceful, nonviolent dissent such as pickets, sit-ins or perhaps even sidewalk counseling. The language of S. 636 blurs that distinction by making nonviolent acts of civil disobedience committed by pro-lifers by turning these people into Federal felons. The problem that I have and many other Members have with this bill is with the punishments that are meted out are way out of line and are patently unfair. Nonviolent sit-ins are misdemeanors not felonies. Under this legislation, however, they are hit with a massive fine, the person who contends that they have been offended can successfully sue them for an excessive amount of money and they can go to jail for a year and a half simply for sitting in front of a door or on the sidewalk. That is an excessive punishment.”