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RJ-MacReady

(603 posts)
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:05 AM Feb 2025

blue states and anti choice protestors

Should blue states allow for the use of physical force against anti-choice protestors outside of clinics who verbally and physically assault women and their escorts?

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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blue states and anti choice protestors (Original Post) RJ-MacReady Feb 2025 OP
Physical force by whom? Why only blue states? WhiskeyGrinder Feb 2025 #1
red states wouldn't care RJ-MacReady Feb 2025 #2
Different states have different laws about self-defense, but the burden of proof is on the person defending themselves. WhiskeyGrinder Feb 2025 #6
I think you answered DeepWinter Feb 2025 #3
agreed RJ-MacReady Feb 2025 #5
Unfortunately, feeling harassed and threatened is not the same as being harassed and threatened, legally. WhiskeyGrinder Feb 2025 #7
Here in New Haven, we provided escorts for women seeking our care against the protesters. CTyankee Feb 2025 #9
Unless it arises to fighting words exboyfil Feb 2025 #4
Blue states should pay for armed security guards DBoon Feb 2025 #8
Good answer 👍 MustLoveBeagles Feb 2025 #10
I have said for years drmeow Feb 2025 #11

WhiskeyGrinder

(26,259 posts)
6. Different states have different laws about self-defense, but the burden of proof is on the person defending themselves.
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:15 AM
Feb 2025
 

DeepWinter

(931 posts)
3. I think you answered
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:11 AM
Feb 2025

your own question.

If protestors are violating the law and being physical, they will be reponded to physically. (in the act of arrest)

If they are peacefully protesting (peacefull can be quite loud and angry) then they should be in the clear. What is being protested is almost irrelavant.

 

RJ-MacReady

(603 posts)
5. agreed
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:14 AM
Feb 2025

But we allow too "sidewalk counseling" as they put it. To the point women are harassed and threatened. That is not free speech or protesting.

WhiskeyGrinder

(26,259 posts)
7. Unfortunately, feeling harassed and threatened is not the same as being harassed and threatened, legally.
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:17 AM
Feb 2025

A good exercise is to think about the behavior you want to outlaw/punish when it comes to antis and then think about how those same regulations might apply to striking workers or other protestors. It's difficult if not impossible to pick and choose the speech you want to control in this case.

CTyankee

(67,785 posts)
9. Here in New Haven, we provided escorts for women seeking our care against the protesters.
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 12:10 PM
Feb 2025

When I was working for Planned Parenthood in New Haven, we had volunteers to help patients get inside the clinic. We ignored the protesters, supported the patients. Years later, the clinic moved to another facility in New Haven, where the entrance better protects patients when protestors are holding their signs and yelling "Don't kill your baby!" at every woman entering the building, including those who are not coming for an abortion, but for other gyn care.

DBoon

(24,709 posts)
8. Blue states should pay for armed security guards
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 11:56 AM
Feb 2025

and these guards should follow all laws to the letter

None of this vigilante crap please

drmeow

(5,920 posts)
11. I have said for years
Mon Feb 24, 2025, 12:49 PM
Feb 2025

that clinic escorts should, to the maximum extent allowed by law in their state, open carry the biggest, nastiest guns they can. The forced birth crowd will be a lot less likely to behave violently towards someone with a big gun slung over their shoulder.

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