CURRENT MOON

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

It's OK to Threaten Women in Abortion Clinics as Long as You're Not Trying to Steal Their Purses

In Scheidler v. National Organization for Women, Inc., 04-805 together with No. 04-1352, the Court held that the Hobbs Act only forbids acts or threats of physical violence in furtherance of a plan to engage in robbery or extortion. In Scheidler, the National Organization for Women brought claims under the Hobbs Act and RICO against organizations opposed to legal abortion, arguing that the organizations’ activities amounted to extortionate acts creating a pattern of racketeering activity. The Court, however, dismissed these arguments, stating that the text and legislative history of the Hobbs Act clearly requires actions in furtherance of a plan to engage in robbery or extortion. Justice Breyer delivered the opinion of the Court in which all other Members joined, except Justice Alito, who took no part in the consideration or decision of the cases.

This is how women's rights are destroyed. One chip at a time.

1 comment:

Vicki said...

I heard about this at noon. It's the slow chip, chip, chipping away...