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PLW Press Statement: Chicago Bubble Zone Ordinance Adopted
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2009

Contact: Matt Sande, Director of Legislation, (262) 796-1111, cell: (262) 352-0890
or Peggy Hamill, State Director, (262) 796-1111, cell: (414) 416-0489


Chicago City Council Adopts Bubble Zone Ordinance
Pro-Life Wisconsin denounces unconstitutional measure

Today the Chicago City Council adopted a bubble zone ordinance that would create an eight foot buffer zone around any person entering or exiting an abortion center in the city. The zone would apply within a fifty foot radius of the center. Anyone approaching closer than eight feet to persons without their consent in an effort to educate, counsel, or leaflet them could be fined up to $500.00.

Peggy Hamill, State Director of Pro-Life Wisconsin, made the following comments:


“The Chicago bubble zone ordinance is a direct attack on the First Amendment rights of peaceful pro-life demonstrators and sidewalk counselors. Existing laws, including federal and state criminal statutes, are already in place that could be employed against demonstrators who directly impede those entering abortion facilities. This ordinance attempts to go much further, targeting those who simply express their opinion on public property. We strongly urge Mayor Daley to veto it.

“Regardless of one’s opinion on abortion, it is imperative that the civil liberties of those engaged in the debate are protected. Even the ACLU of Illinois has condemned this unconstitutional attack on free -speech rights. Sadly, this ordinance is yet another attempt by pro-abortion supporters to silence peaceful pro-life people who are offering what may be a mother’s only exposure to a message of love and life for her and her preborn child.”

ACTION: If you would like to urge Mayor Daley to veto the bubble zone ordinance, please call him at 312-744-3300.

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