In March 1993, August 1993, and July 1994 respectively, Dr. David Gunn, Dr. George Patterson, and Dr. John Bayard Britton were murdered by pro-life activists, shortly after “WANTED” and “unWANTED” posters were published featuring each doctor’s likeness, address, and profession—abortion provider. While many if not most condemned this violence, Portland-based American Coalition of Life Activists (ACLA) and Advocates for Life Ministries (ALM) did not. Against this backdrop, in January 1995, ACLA unveiled and ALM repeatedly published a “Deadly Dozen” poster featuring thirteen abortion providers and their home addresses, declaring in large capital letters that they were “GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.” The next day, the FBI told the doctors on the poster to start wearing bulletproof vests. Was the “Deadly Dozen” poster protected First Amendment speech, or a “true threat”?
Please join Queen’s Bench at the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse (Portland) for a dialogue on Planned Parenthood, et al. v. American Coalition of Life Activists, with Judge Robert Jones (who handled the district court level case), then-amicus counsel for ACLU Foundation of Oregon, U.S.D.C. Michael H. Simon, and plaintiff’s counsel in the case, Carol J. Bernick (Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund).
This is part of the Queen's Bench 2020 Luncheon Speaker Series: Difficult Decisions
Each calendar year, the Queen’s Bench luncheons and events focus on a different theme. During 2020, we will explore difficult legal decisions. Everyone is welcome - you need not be a member to attend our events. Please bring photo identification to present to courthouse security.