January 22, 2008
Today marks the 35th anniversary of
Roe v. Wade. This devastating decision fabricated a so-called right to abortion—a concept unimaginable to those who wrote the Constitution or its relevant Amendments—that has claimed the lives of more than 48 million children and brought great pain to families across this nation.
Since the launch of the Alliance Defense Fund in 1994, this one-of-a-kind ministry has been committed to restoring a legal system that values life.
Roe did not happen overnight, and overturning its impact will take a long-term and disciplined effort. A recent ADF update told of God-given victories protecting pro-life speech by students in New York, the right of conscience for health care workers and pharmacists in Washington state, and a key Supreme Court victory that imposed the first significant limit on abortion since 1973. We also affirmed that there is much more to be done, and we are determined to keep fighting for the restoration of a culture of life in America until we win!
Today, because of your continued support, we are able to celebrate another victory for life in Maryland, and also ask for your prayers as we defend a student in California.
Maryland
On July 31, a group of approximately 40 pro-life advocates peaceably assembled at an intersection in Montgomery Country. Part of an organization called "Defend Life," these men and women simply wanted to present their message to passing motorists by displaying signs.
Their efforts were cut short when a representative of the Department of Permitting Services threatened them with a fine of $500 per sign, saying they were violating state and county laws. The group left the area rather than pay the fines. ADF attorneys filed suit on behalf of the pro-life advocates on October 12, and – praise God! – county officials recognized the error of the policy.
On January 9, officials sent a letter to Defend Life, expressing "regret that there was a misunderstanding on the part of the county personnel" and stating that they "sincerely regret any actions that risked impairment of the rights to assembly and free speech." As part of the settlement, they also dropped the policy prohibiting holding or waving signs.
"Pro-life advocates should not be fined for exercising their protected First Amendment right to free speech," said ADF Legal Counsel Matt Bowman. "We are pleased that Montgomery County officials have revised their policy regarding signs and will no longer censor those who choose to peacefully express their views on a public sidewalk."
The letter sent by county officials may be read at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/DefendLifeLetter.pdf.
California
A student at Westmont High School in San Jose wanted to start a pro-life club, similar to numerous other clubs allowed on campus, and submitted a written request to school officials in October. Officials denied the club official status, meaning it could not benefit from the rights and privileges that all the recognized student clubs receive. When this brave young woman informed school officials that the club's name would be "Live Action – Pro-Life Club," officials took their censorship a step further, denying her any avenue to promote the club on campus, including telling other students of the club's existence. Try getting students to come to a meeting for your club when you can't even tell them you have a club!
ADF attorneys sued and filed a motion for preliminary injunction in federal court. Now, praise God, the school has reversed its decision and is granting the Pro-Life Club all of the benefits granted other clubs.
"Public schools should recognize the constitutional rights of pro-life students just as they do for all other students," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman. "The high school was clearly engaging in viewpoint discrimination when it denied this pro-life group the right to the same privileges extended to other student groups. Schools cannot deny student clubs these privileges just because not everyone agrees with the message."
A copy of the complaint in P.A. v. Gordon is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/PAvGordonComplaint.pdf. A copy of the motion for preliminary injunction can be read at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/PAvGordonMotion.pdf.
These recent victories remind us of the victory that is possible by God's grace when we stand together in defense of life. It also encourages us to press on, knowing that together we can – and
will – win! Please continue to pray for God's hand on this ministry, asking Him to grant us victories for His glory.