Facing Life Head On! || Walter B. Hoye II

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CREDIT:

Facing Life Head On!
Life Issues Institute, Inc.
T.V. Host: Brad Mattes
Season Four: "Free Speech Denied"
Episode: #2 - Length: 25:15
Website: http://bit.ly/136GkS

DESCRIPTION:

Walter B. Hoye II has spent the past several years offering sidewalk counseling to women considering abortion outside an abortion facility in Oakland, California. But according to a new Oakland City Law, Walter's counseling is now considered harassment. The new law, called the Bubble Ordinance (http://bit.ly/13UznyN) prohibits sidewalk counselors from getting within eight (8) feet of women entering abortion facilities, making it nearly impossible for the counselors to offer help. At the time of Walter's arrest, the law only applies to pro-life advocates.

As a result of the law, Walter was arrested on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 for holding a sign and offering literature to women entering the facility. After a 13-day trial, Walter was sentenced to spend thirty (30) days in jail. Since being released, Walter and his attorney Mike Millen have been fighting the constitutionality of the Bubble Ordinance. They argue that the ordinance is a direct violation of free speech rights since it only targets one group and favors the demands of abortion facilities.

Aiding Walter in his fight is Pastor Dion Evans. He has seen the impact Walter's actions have had on Oakland and the pro-life community. Alongside Walter, he is fighting to insure that Walter is able to continue offering help to women considering abortion. As Walter's legal battle continues, he remains optimistic that they will defeat this unjust law and protect the free speech rights of Pro-Lifers across the country.