Free speech and the freedom to assemble are celebrated rights for all Americas and that includes the week abortion protests in downtown Portland, but lately complaints about intimidation and possible effects on local businesses have some people asking the city to establish a 35 foot perimeter around Planned Parenthood for those trying to get through.
A group of protesters weren't just making their voices heard on the right to choose Friday morning. They are also asking the city to respect the rights of Planned Parenthood patients and local businesses. They want to establish a buffer zone around the facility so that protesters have to allow at least 35 feet between them the building.
Planned Parenthood employees say clients have been intimidated and harassed by pro-life protesters as they tried to enter the building. Also at least one local businessman says his customers are having a hard time getting through. Those in favor of the zone say it strikes the right balance of everyone's rights. Others say they shouldn't have to move.
Allura Lightfoot, pro-life protester, “The main mission is to offer help and hope to the woman that are coming in to kill their babies at Planned Parenthood and so it’s imperative that they be able to stay here on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood.”
Mike Fink, business owner: “I don't want to stop them from protesting. I just want to stop them from protesting right here on the sidewalk as close to my building as they have. It’s disruptive and I do not want them to continue doing it here.”
Stan Tupper, pro-choice protester, “It seems more appropriate in the more public space and less intrusive to the people trying to use Planned Parenthood."
That group of Planned Parenthood supporters says they will be collecting signatures today to bring to the city in favor of the buffer zone. We did reach out to the city for comment. They have not yet returned our calls.
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