Anti-abortion activists sue over Chicago’s ’bubble zone’ ordinance - Chicago Tribune
▻http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-abortion-bubble-zone-ordinance-lawsuit-20160823-story.html
Anti-abortion activists filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday alleging that Chicago’s 2009 abortion-clinic #bubble_zone ordinance violates their constitutional rights.
The law is designed to protect patients seeking reproductive health care. Visitors to an abortion clinic are surrounded by an 8-foot [2,50 m] "bubble zone" once they are within 50 feet [15 m] of the entrance, meaning activists can’t get closer than that unless they receive permission to approach.
The complaint was filed against the city of Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld for “partnering with abortion vendors to violate the rights of those who wish to reach out to women seeking abortions.”
Members of the Pro-Life Action League, the Live Pro Life Group, which is a ministry of the Church of Christian Liberty, and four “sidewalk counselors” are challenging the law on the grounds that it violates their First and 14th Amendment rights.
“The precious right of free speech — so central to our democracy — is being denied to these individuals on the basis of their pro-life beliefs,” said Thomas Olp, senior counsel at the Thomas More Society, which represents the plaintiffs. “Pro-life advocates are being singled out, and their constitutional protections are being trampled.”
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune