Six individuals who identify as pro-life and engaged in prayer and hymn singing outside an abortion clinic in Tennessee have been found guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This conviction could potentially result in a federal prison sentence of up to 11 years for each of them. A video capturing the peaceful protest that led to their arrests in Mt.
One of the convicted individuals is Paul Vaughn, a committed father of 11 children. Following the verdict, the pro-life defendants, accompanied by their loved ones, congregated in front of the courthouse to collectively pray and sing hymns. Vaughn and five other pro-life advocates faced charges of two felony counts due to their involvement in a prayer event held in March 2021, which aimed to advocate for life outside an abortion facility situated approximately 20 miles away from Nashville. The charges encompassed violating the FACE Act and engaging in a “conspiracy against rights,” both of which carry a potential sentence of up to 11 years. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 2, 2024.
“We are, of course, disappointed with the outcome,” said Steve Crampton, the senior counsel for the Thomas More Society Senior Counsel and Vaughn’s attorney. “This was a peaceful demonstration by entirely peaceable citizens—filled with prayer, hymn-singing, and worship—oriented toward persuading expecting mothers not to abort their babies. Unfortunately, the Biden Department of Justice decided to characterize Paul Vaughn’s peaceful actions as a felony ‘conspiracy against rights,’ to intimidate and punish Paul and other pro-life people and people of faith.”
“This is a frustrating setback, for Paul, for his family, and for the extended pro-life community, which has rallied support for Paul from the day of his arrest in front of his wife and children by heavily armed FBI agents, on through the trial,” Crampton said.
He observed the reality that the Biden Department of Justice’s vigorous endeavor to silence its ideological adversaries was unmistakably evident in the persecution of Vaughn and his co-defendants.
“The Biden Department of Justice’s pattern of arresting and prosecuting peaceful pro-life advocates is disturbing,” said Crampton.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the criticism towards the FBI’s efforts in pursuing individuals who have violently targeted pro-life pregnancy centers has been met with an anticipated appeal. This appeal is expected to be filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The case in question, The United States of America v. Gallagher, underwent a trial process that commenced on January 23, 2024, with jury selection and concluded on January 30, 2024, at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville.
And if you were wondering what exactly constitutes 11 years in prison according to Democrats? Watch below and see for yourself:
