NYC Pro-Abortion Measure Violates Constitution
The message was delivered - loud and clear: a proposed regulation targeting only pro-life crisis pregnancy centers in New York City violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and we will take legal action, if necessary, to stop it.
As you know, New York City Council is considering a biased, pro-abortion measure that would penalize pro-life pregnancy centers by requiring them to comply with costly and burdensome requirements - requirements that don't apply to pro-abortion centers.
Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, and Councilwoman Jessica S. Lappin are behind the proposed ordinance. The proposal, of course, is strongly backed by Planned Parenthood and NARAL.
At the Women's Issue Committee of the New York City Council, our legal team, headed by Senior Counsel CeCe Heil, provided compelling and important testimony opposing this effort.
In addition to explaining in detail that this misguided measure is the result of an unsubstantiated report by NARAL, our team spelled out in no uncertain terms that the proposal is a clear violation of the First Amendment as well as the laws of the State of New York.
It unconstitutionally and illegally compels, and simultaneously censors, specific speech on the basis of view-point. Such discrimination is clearly prohibited. In addition, the bill violates the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment by singling out these pro-life centers for discriminatory treatment and by subjecting them to vague speech requirements under the threat of criminal and financial penalties.
If the city council approves this troubling measure, we will be in court challenging this ordinance.
And an important part of our presentation - notifying city officials that nearly 25,000 Americans who oppose this measure - are standing with the ACLJ by signing on to our Petition to Stop the Shut-Down of Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers. If you haven't added your name yet, do so right now.
It's important to remember that the pro-abortion lobby is engaging in a nationwide campaign - designed to silence pro-life crisis pregnancy centers.
The New York City Council is moving in the same direction as local officials in Baltimore, Maryland and Austin, Texas.
Pro-life centers, along with the Catholic church, are challenging an ordinance passed in Baltimore. A similar ordinance has been enacted in Austin.
This is a growing and dangerous trend. And, that's why it's so important to meet this challenge right now in New York City. You can make a difference in the battle to protect life. Stand-up for life now.