Latest news with #40DaysforLife
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
The dangers of imported American culture wars
The US anti-abortion movement is more emboldened than it has been in years, largely due to Trump removing nearly all protections for abortion providers. He has instructed federal prosecutors to limit enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (Face), which was introduced in response to violence against abortion clinics and staff, including the murder of doctors. In January, Trump also chose to pardon 23 anti-abortion activists who had been jailed for invading and blockading abortion clinics under the Face Act. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar urged to whip Scottish Labour MPs against welfare cuts The chilling events of the weekend should give us pause for thought here in Scotland. The hard-won Safe Access Zones Act, which keeps anti-abortion protesters 200 metres away from hospitals providing abortion services, came about in direct response to the importation of US-style clinic protests. Although many of the protesters were locals, they were recruited and organised by Texan anti-abortion organisation 40 Days for Life. I first witnessed the protests while living near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, and the unmistakably US overtones – the signs, the fanaticism – made my blood run cold. Abortion rights in Scotland are under attack with the help of US dollars. When anti-abortion activist Rose Docherty flouted the new buffer zone legislation, she was swiftly lionised by the Alliance Defending Freedom – an American legal advocacy group categorised as an extremist homophobic hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Centre. She was framed as a persecuted victim of state overreach, rather than someone deliberately undermining public health protections. An even more disturbing example came when JD Vance grossly misrepresented Scotland's buffer zone laws, which led to a surge in abuse directed at MSP Gillian Mackay. Mackay, who spearheaded the buffer zones bill, was called a 'baby killer', received emails suggesting her abusers knew her home address, and was even sent rape threats – all while she was pregnant. The recent events in America are existentially terrifying, threatening our sense of freedom, peace, and democracy. It would be a grave mistake to assume that such extremism cannot reach our shores. It already has. Attempts to undermine our laws and the will of our parliament are not theoretical – they are happening right now. Yet, watching so many Americans take to the streets in defence of the freedoms they cherish gives me hope. I have faith in them – and I have faith in us.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pro-life leader praises bill requiring Ten Commandments in Texas schools: ‘A step in the right direction'
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, 40 Days for Life President and CEO Shawn Carney praised Texas lawmakers for passing legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom in the state. The bill, approved by both chambers of the state Legislature and now awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott's signature mandates that each classroom feature a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments that is at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, and legible from anywhere in the room. If signed, the law would take effect in the 2025–26 school year. Supreme Court Weighs Religious Liberty Dispute Over Public Funding For Catholic Charter School "This is great," Carney said. "The Ten Commandments are good. It's basically the moral code for most people who have ever lived. No matter what their belief system, most people don't believe we should steal, kill, or commit adultery. "It's a beautiful thing," he added. "I'm proud to be a Texan where they're supporting this, and it's something that we need in the classrooms." Read On The Fox News App Carney, who leads what he describes as the world's largest pro-life organization, operating in 64 countries, linked the legislation to a broader cultural shift. On its website, the group explains it is "an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses." "These are good things - allowing a baby to live is good," Carney said. "The Ten Commandments are good." Teachers Union Boss Randi Weingarten Shares Her 'Concern' With Scotus Case On Lgbtq Books Addressing constitutional concerns, Carney pushed back on the argument that the legislation violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. "We have Moses in the U.S. Capitol. Nobody's ever raised a stink about that," he said. "Having the Ten Commandments, something that has been celebrated throughout generations of Americans who have gone before us, having those in the school is just not a big deal." Carney also emphasized that the historical intent behind the separation of church and state was to protect religious freedom, not to eliminate religious references from public institutions. "Jefferson wanted separation of church and state to protect the Church," he said, citing recent federal actions he views as infringing on religious liberty. "We saw the Biden administration try to force Catholic doctors to perform abortions or prescribe contraception. We need to protect the Church." He framed the bill as part of a broader backlash against what he described as a secular, "woke mentality" that he believes has eroded moral clarity. "Our schools are violent. They are places that need the Ten Commandments," Carney said. "Even if you don't believe in God, you should be able to learn about God. "There's been this push that believing in God is archaic," he continued. "This bill is another step in the right direction." Although the Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Stone v. Graham (1980), Carney believes Texas's effort will survive legal challenges. "I do think it'll survive the legal battles," he said. "Revisiting this with a new Supreme Court is very wise and something that needs to be done." Carney also sees the law as a potential model for other states. "Texas has set the bar high," he said. "This does set a precedent. Most atheists believe in the Ten Commandments. They are the basis of Western civilization." Looking to the future, Carney hopes the bill encourages greater moral formation nationwide. "The ideal result is that more states do this over the next five or 10 years," he said. "We need guidance. We don't do very well on our own. "The Ten Commandments point us to good. To discipline. To truth. To love. And to mercy," he added. "They help us know what's right from wrong. We all grow in virtue by learning and following the Ten Commandments, no matter our religious background." Texas would join Louisiana and Arkansas, which have already passed similar laws. Supporters of the legislation say the commandments represent a foundational code of conduct, while critics warn it could face constitutional scrutiny in federal court, FOX 4 article source: Pro-life leader praises bill requiring Ten Commandments in Texas schools: 'A step in the right direction'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pro-life father whose home FBI raided appeals ruling by 'activist' judge: ‘Faulty investigation'
FIRST ON FOX— Pro-life activist Mark Houck, who sued the Justice Department over his arrest and prosecution under the Biden administration, said his family has been blocked from settling their lawsuit by an "activist" federal judge. Houck filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department last year, seeking restitution for what he called "a faulty investigation" and "excessive force" after a SWAT team of around 25 people arrested him in front of his children. Now, Houck is appealing the judge's decision to the Third District Court and calling on the Trump administration to follow through on ending the weaponization of the DOJ against pro-lifers such as him once and for all. He discusses the case with his wife and 40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney in a new video shared with Fox News Digital. "You live in fear of it happening again, not only to yourselves but to others, and you want to know that this administration, which rode this message to the White House, is willing to step in," Houck said in the video, adding, "and they're doing it for other organizations, they're doing it in the DOGE, they're doing it with all the things, they're cleaning house." Pro-life Journalist Assaulted On Street Assigns Blame To Democratic Rhetoric In an interview with Fox News Digital, 40 Days for Life President Shawn Carney said: "I just think, Democratic or Republican, we're tired of activist judges on both sides of the political aisle." Read On The Fox News App "Nobody likes it – and just, this guy's a victim," Carney said, adding that the Justice Department "needs to fix this." News of the appeal, which is slated to be filed by 40 Days for Life on behalf of Houck, was shared exclusively with Fox News Digital. The group has already filed a Notice to Appeal to the courts. At issue are the settlement negotiations that 40 Days for Life entered into with the Justice Department in early 2025, following Trump's inauguration. U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond, a Bush appointee, abruptly issued a motion to dismiss the case last month, effectively ending the negotiations that had been playing out between Houck and the Trump-led Justice Department. Federal Judges In New York And Texas Block Trump Deportations After Scotus Ruling It appears that the motion to dismiss the case had originally been filed by the Biden-led Justice Department, which charged Houck in 2021 for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE Act. In the video, Carney and Houck discussed the judge's decision as well as changes in the law enforcement community more broadly, and what they hope to be new priorities of the second Trump administration. Houck said his family is disappointed by the judge's actions and added that "it reflects poorly against the Trump administration." Speaking with Fox News Digital, Carney lamented the dismissal of their lawsuit by Diamond, whom he called an "activist" judge and accused of political bias. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the Trump administration would make it right. Pennsylvania Jury Acquits Pro-life Activist Mark Houck On Charges Of Obstructing Abortion Clinic Access "We are appealing the decision of the judge to continue the lawsuit against the DOJ," Carney said. "And of course, if we could get back on track with that, the idea is that then we would be able to settle with DOJ, since they want to settle." "We have a very strong appeal," he said of their yet-to-be-filed brief. "We're very confident about the appeal." The FBI and Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment. Houck, a longtime volunteer with 40 Days for Life, was arrested in 2021 for his actions outside a Planned Parenthood clinic, which prosecutors said violated the so-called Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act. He was acquitted by a Philadelphia jury, but could have faced up to eleven years in prison if convicted. Both his high-profile arrest at home, and the lengthy prison sentence he could have faced if convicted, prompted outrage from pro-life groups, including 40 Days for Life, where Houck has volunteered since 2007. Supreme Court Freezes Order To Return Man From El Salvador Prison In 2023, after Houck's acquittal, 40 Days for Life joined Houck in suing the Justice Department over the ordeal, accusing law enforcement personnel of conducting a "faulty investigation" against him, and accusing law enforcement of using "excessive force" in the FBI raid of his family home. Carney has weighed in on the topic before, saying in a post on X this year that 40 Days for Life was "targeted constantly by the Biden DOJ." "With 1,000,000 peaceful volunteers we will always fight for free speech for pro-life and pro-abortion Americans alike. God bless Trump and Vance for backing us up," said article source: Pro-life father whose home FBI raided appeals ruling by 'activist' judge: 'Faulty investigation'
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Pro-life father whose home FBI raided appeals ruling by 'activist' judge: ‘Faulty investigation'
FIRST ON FOX— Pro-life activist Mark Houck, who sued the Justice Department over his arrest and prosecution under the Biden administration, said his family has been blocked from settling their lawsuit by an "activist" federal judge. Houck filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department last year, seeking restitution for what he called "a faulty investigation" and "excessive force" after a SWAT team of around 25 people arrested him in front of his children. Now, Houck is appealing the judge's decision to the Third District Court and calling on the Trump administration to follow through on ending the weaponization of the DOJ against pro-lifers such as him once and for all. He discusses the case with his wife and 40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney in a new video shared with Fox News Digital. "You live in fear of it happening again, not only to yourselves but to others, and you want to know that this administration, which rode this message to the White House, is willing to step in," Houck said in the video, adding, "and they're doing it for other organizations, they're doing it in the DOGE, they're doing it with all the things, they're cleaning house." In an interview with Fox News Digital, 40 Days for Life President Shawn Carney said: "I just think, Democratic or Republican, we're tired of activist judges on both sides of the political aisle." "Nobody likes it – and just, this guy's a victim," Carney said, adding that the Justice Department "needs to fix this." News of the appeal, which is slated to be filed by 40 Days for Life on behalf of Houck, was shared exclusively with Fox News Digital. The group has already filed a Notice to Appeal to the courts. At issue are the settlement negotiations that 40 Days for Life entered into with the Justice Department in early 2025, following Trump's inauguration. U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond, a Bush appointee, abruptly issued a motion to dismiss the case last month, effectively ending the negotiations that had been playing out between Houck and the Trump-led Justice Department. It appears that the motion to dismiss the case had originally been filed by the Biden-led Justice Department, which charged Houck in 2021 for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE Act. In the video, Carney and Houck discussed the judge's decision as well as changes in the law enforcement community more broadly, and what they hope to be new priorities of the second Trump administration. Houck said his family is disappointed by the judge's actions and added that "it reflects poorly against the Trump administration." Speaking with Fox News Digital, Carney lamented the dismissal of their lawsuit by Diamond, whom he called an "activist" judge and accused of political bias. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the Trump administration would make it right. "We are appealing the decision of the judge to continue the lawsuit against the DOJ," Carney said. "And of course, if we could get back on track with that, the idea is that then we would be able to settle with DOJ, since they want to settle." "We have a very strong appeal," he said of their yet-to-be-filed brief. "We're very confident about the appeal." The FBI and Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment. Houck, a longtime volunteer with 40 Days for Life, was arrested in 2021 for his actions outside a Planned Parenthood clinic, which prosecutors said violated the so-called Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act. He was acquitted by a Philadelphia jury, but could have faced up to eleven years in prison if convicted. Both his high-profile arrest at home, and the lengthy prison sentence he could have faced if convicted, prompted outrage from pro-life groups, including 40 Days for Life, where Houck has volunteered since 2007. In 2023, after Houck's acquittal, 40 Days for Life joined Houck in suing the Justice Department over the ordeal, accusing law enforcement personnel of conducting a "faulty investigation" against him, and accusing law enforcement of using "excessive force" in the FBI raid of his family home. Carney has weighed in on the topic before, saying in a post on X this year that 40 Days for Life was "targeted constantly by the Biden DOJ." "With 1,000,000 peaceful volunteers we will always fight for free speech for pro-life and pro-abortion Americans alike. God bless Trump and Vance for backing us up," said Carney.
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Doctor who was found guilty of breaching abortion buffer zone responds to conviction
A woman found guilty of breaching an abortion clinic buffer zone has claimed freedom of expression in the UK is in a "state of crisis." Livia Tossici-Bolt, 64, of Bournemouth, was found guilty at Poole Magistrates Court of two charges of breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order on two days in March 2023 and handed a two-year conditional discharge. She had held a sign saying "Here to talk, if you want" outside a clinic in Bournemouth. Tossici-Bolt, leader of the Bournemouth branch of the "40 Days for Life" anti-abortion group, was ordered to pay £20,000 towards court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
