“We are initially disappointed with Judge Jennings’ ruling but respectfully thankful that she did not dismiss the case. She noted that summary judgment was not proper and requested more proof of the reasons the buffer zone would hinder the sidewalk ministry. She denied the the request for dismissal by the defendants.” - Addia Wuchner, Executive Director, Kentucky Right to Life.

The Courier-Journal reported:

Sisters for Life “must be given a reasonable opportunity to present material detailing what the practical effects of the 10-foot buffer zone would be on their sidewalk counseling efforts,” wrote District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings…

It’s also possible, however, the city could reach an agreement with Sisters for Life to delay creating the buffer zone. A previous agreement suspended the implementation while the judge considered motions in the lawsuit.

Kentucky Today reported:

Jennings denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss because of “remaining fact issues” in the case, which included the plaintiff providing “arguments tailored to the actual effect of the Ordinance” and the defendants demonstrating that “less-restrictive alternatives were tried and failed, or that the alternatives were closely examined and ruled out for good reason.”

Stay tuned for further developments.

BUFFER ZONE VOTE RESCHEDULED

A procedural vote on the Buffer Zone took place at the May 6 Council meeting. The vote set this issue aside; it will return to the full council on May 20. Keep those cards and calls coming! Let the Council members hear from you.

A Facebook video of the meeting with the pro-life arguments by Atty. Annie MacLean and Chelsea Pritchett is here. Move the play button to 7:20.

ORIGINAL POST:

Arguments were presented on April 28 for and against a 10-foot Buffer Zone to mark how close sidewalk counselors may stand to any Metro Louisville healthcare facility. The Community Affairs, Housing, Health and Education Committee voted 5 - 2 to send the Buffer Zone ordinance to the full Council for a vote.

Last August the Buffer Zone was voted down by the Metro Council. We trust that the new Council members will study the discussions in their minutes to carefully consider what is at stake.

Executive Director Addia Wuchner participated in the committee meeting, and has made an official statement:

We advocate for the protection of the unborn child and the First Amendment right of citizens to peacefully gather, pray, support women, and respectfully bear witness in defense of innocent life. While the Courts have recognized that states and cities have significant interest in maintaining public safety and preserving access to health care facilities, they have nevertheless ruled it is unconstitutional to take control of a public sidewalk for the sole, discretionary use of a private business like the EMW abortion facility, as it impedes the right to free speech. Those proposing the ordinance and abortion advocates say that it is a matter of public safety, but make no mistake, this is a direct attempt to silence pro-women, pro-child, pro-life advocates and the public’s right of free speech.

In a Courier-Journal article last summer, Council member Marilyn Parker noted, “I just don’t think this is a very good look for the council, with the protests, the destruction and the disorder that’s been allowed to happen in the city. We need to think about this. Why does this group get special privileges for safety?”

A video of the committee meeting is shown here. The Metro Council will vote on the Ordinance on May 6. You can read the Ordinance here. Contact a Council Member here.