Michigan’s Governor is pulling back regulations on pro-life protestors as long as they are practicing social distancing. Her policy clarification comes after several Michigan residents filed a lawsuit against her and the Detroit Police Department, Faithwire reports.
The dispute began when pro-life activists were protesting and offering information to people outside the Scotsdale Women’s Center and Family Planning in Detroit. Eight officers showed up and told the group’s leader, Andrew Belanger, that they would have to leave because of the Governor’s stay-at-home order.
In a video posted to pro-life advocacy group LiveAction’s website, an officer is heard telling the group, “We’re here for a violation of the stay-at-home order by the governor.”
He continued, “This isn’t essential to be out right now…Right now, it’s a $500 fine. If you keep this up after that, we’ll take you to jail.
The group protested that the abortion clinic is not an essential service. One of the officers countered that it is a “medical facility.”
After the incident, Belanger, along with Justin Phillips and Cal Zestrow, filed a lawsuit against Governor Whitmer and the City of Detroit. They asked the courts to “protect and vindicate fundamental constitutional rights,” arguing that the fines violated their First Amendment rights and the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection under the law.
In a recent court filing, the Governor granted that the men had the right to protest, provided that they are six feet from other people while they are outside of their homes and engaged in “expressive religious activities.”
Authorities agreed to dismiss the citations that were issued against the protestors. Belanger, Phillips, and Zestrow agreed to drop their lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Janet Neff signed the order to close the case on Tuesday in Grand Rapids.
Last week, Governor Whitmer also issued further guidance which clarified her stay-at-home order. She said that, “Persons may engage in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment within the State of Michigan, but must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least six feet from people outside the person’s household.”
Scott Slayton writes at “One Degree to Another.”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Hagen Hopkins/Stringer
Scott Slayton writes at “One Degree to Another.”
