Don Nickles: “I rise in opposition to S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. It has a nice title. I am opposed to it…”

“I rise in opposition to S. 636, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. It has a nice title. I am opposed to it because it does not do what its supporters claim it will do. Its effect will be a very profound chilling effect against pro-life demonstrators, leafletters, and sidewalk counselors, and persons engaging in prayer outside abortion clinics. However, it portrays itself as a means to eliminate violence at abortion clinics--even though applicable State criminal statutes are already more than adequate to deal with such occurrences. Everyone has heard about the tragedy in Florida. There are already applicable State laws that apply to that incident. State law covers murder. State law covers violence. State law covers vandalism. What this bill does is aim the full force of the Federal criminal system against a class of Americans who feel passionately about one of the key moral questions of our time. To engage even in peaceful and constitutionally protected activities will expose pro-life Americans to a very real risk of Federal criminal penalties and punitive civil suits. Many of these people, faced with the loss of their liberty, their livelihoods, their homes, will decide not to take the risk. They will forgo their first amendment rights.”