Partial Victory in Rockford through Pro-Life Solidarity!

'We are aware that the Catholic League has been a worthy champion of the First Amendment rights of Catholics and all other Christians'

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Catholic Online) - We are pleased to be able to publish a letter which was received by the Catholic League. It was sent from Patrick W. Hayes, the Director of the Legal Department in Rockford, Illinois. We were forwarded a copy of the letter at the direct request of Mr. Hayes.

We publish the letter for several reasons.

First, because we were asked to do so. It demonstrates the efforts of a public official who should be affirmed for acting to bring an end to the offense against Christians committed by the owners of the abortion facitily in his City. Secondly, we do so to thank the Catholic League for their bold and courageous efforts, not only in this matter but in hundreds of matters which they regularly handle. Finally, we do so to thank you, our readers, and to let you know that you can and do make a difference! In fact, this shows us all that together we can act in Pro-Life Solidarity to make a real difference.

The removal of this blasphemous, profane and sacriligious sign is a victory for Free Speech, Free Association and the Free Exercise of Religion, all protected rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But it is more. It provides a blueprint for how we must begin to come together now. It demonstrates the kind of action which all Christians must be willing to undertake as we continue our missionary work in a culture which has lost its moral compass.

Bill Donohue indicated to me when he sent us a copy of the letter he wrote that our publication of the article drawing attention to the matter made a real difference. Catholic Online is dedicated to doing much, much more as we all join together in the days ahead. As I mentioned in my article yesterday: "St. Paul used his Roman citizenship to further his ability to continue to preach the Gospel which itself brought about the very conversion of that empire. (See, Acts 25). We must use our American citizenship to effectively protect our work in the culture.

We should use the positive law and the protections it offers to us to secure and defend the right to proclaim the truth and be free from harassment while doing so.The Catholic League helps us to do this. Bill Donohue is a Champion of the Rights of Catholics and the Catholic Church and he understands how to use such legal and public interest strategy."

Thank you Bill Donohue and thank you Catholic League.Our readers will notice in Bill's Press Release published below this article that Bill is not backing down. The Legal Director did the right thing, but he did not take the clear position he should have in this letter. Bill Donohue came back with a responsive letter to the Legal Director which is another example of why I affectionately call him a "pugilist with words."

Thank you faithful Catholics and other Christians who were willing to take a stand and to act! Thank you Pro-Life heroes in Rockford, Illinois who have borne the heat of the battle, standing up for those being killed and bearing the brunt of the persecution which this incident so clearly demonstrated. You are the true champions! Thank you Lord of Life, for defending your people against abuse. Together we ask you to bring an end to the evil occuring within that facility and bring an end to the killing of our smallest neighbors in our Nation.

Here is the letter:

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Mr. William A. Donohue, Ph.D. President
Catholic League
450 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10123

Dear Mr. Donohue:

I have received your letter of September 24, 2009 wherein you enclosed a graphic of Jesus Christ extending his middle finger with the inscription, "Even Jesus Hates You." This graphic is allegedly currently being displayed in the window of the Northern lllinois Women's Center in Rockford, nlinois. You assert that it has also been displayed, at various times, in the past. Please be advised a member of my staff has contacted Mr. Webster, who operates the building that houses the clinic, and he has agreed to remove the picture.

As you are aware, the Center has long been the subject of controversy in Rockford. Several times a week pro-life demonstrators are engaged in demonstrations against the abortions which occur inside. They carry placards and signs protesting the legal availability of abortion. In fact, our department and the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office have received complaints as to the graphic photographic depictions of completed abortions on these signs. Of course, our offices have declined to prosecute the protestors based on their first amendment right to free expression, even though these depictions have often been upsetting to children and others with weak constitutions.

The City of Rockford is currently involved in a lawsuit where it has been alleged that the rights of pro-life demonstrators have been violated. There has been a great deal of media attention surrounding this case largely from pro-life web sites and bloggers. The City of Rockford has categorically denied these allegations and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. As the chief legal representative of the City of Rockford, I am unable to comment further about this pending matter other than to say that the City of Rockford believes we have protected the constitutional rights of all parties to the abortion dispute.

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You suggest that Chapters 19-3 and 19-4, "Offensive Uses of Property" and "Permitting Offensive Use of Property" of the City of Rockford's Code of Ordinance, where it is illegal to "disturb or destroy the peace of the neighborhood in which such building or premises are situated, or be dangerous or detrimental to health" are violated by the display of this cartoon. However, I must disagree. I am unaware as to the number of past displays of the poster or its' current display, but I do know that I have not received a single complaint regarding its' display from a resident of the neighborhood or even a resident of the City of Rockford or State of Illinois. I have also not received any reports of the physical or mental health of anyone adversely affected by this display. I realize that this fact, alone is not determinative as to the issue, but it certainly is indicative as to the religious tolerance of the Christians in our community, and their awareness of the First Amendments rights of those who disagree with, and sometimes taunt them.

We are aware that the Catholic League has been a worthy champion of the First Amendment rights of Catholics and all other Christians to practice their religion without fear of recrimination. However, as you are undoubtedly well-aware, Americans also possess the right to not practice a religion, as well. We also have the right to create satire of others' religious beliefs. I think we can agree that this practice is generally in bad taste, and oft times can be quite vulgar, but the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled in the Flynt case and others, that satire is a protected form of expression.

I personally share your disappointment in the depiction of Jesus Christ in this Cartoon. I can also sympathize with Muslims who felt that cartoons printed in several American newspapers were blasphemous to their religion. However, in my position, I must recognize and protect the rights of those whose intelligence and scruples I sometimes question. A gentlemen with your intelligence and experience in these matters must certainly do so, as well.

Very Truly Yours
Patrick W. Hayes
Legal Director
City of Rockford Department of Law

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May this partial victory in Rockford, Illinois give renewed courage to all who are joined together in the great human rights issue of our age, the struggle to secure the fundamental Right to Life and Freedom to be Born. May this experience teach us all how to stand together against the killing of the innocent unborn, and for one another. This is how we will show the power of Pro-Life solidarity in the face of the assaults against our work.

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