[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 31 (Friday, March 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO CLINIC ENTRANCES ACT

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                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 18, 1994

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of the Freedom of 
Access to Clinic Entrances Act, not because I support freedom of 
choice--which I do--but because I support a right that is far more 
sweeping--the right of every American to live his or her life without 
fear of physical harm. This is the most basic of our constitutional 
rights and--regardless of our views on abortion--one that we have been 
entrusted to uphold.
  Abortion is an emotional issue. It has continued to divide our 
Congress and the people whom we have been elected to represent. But 
this bill is not about abortion--it is about threats, it is about 
intimidation and it is about physical violence.
  Our society is one of laws. As a county prosecutor, I helped enforce 
these laws regardless of my opinion of their merits. As a Congressman, 
I can do no less.
  More than one-half of our country's family-planning clinics--most of 
which provide other health services as well--have experienced violence 
this year alone.
  This is not a freedom of speech issue. There is a difference between 
expressing one's opinion and harassing someone. There is a difference 
between peaceful picketing and blocking access to a public place. There 
is a difference between demonstrating a point of view and destroying 
people and property.
  These are differences that a civilized society cannot--and must not--
tolerate.
  There are people who are crossing the line. Let us stop them.

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