Pro-lifer charged with FACE Act violations in Tennessee: ‘The goal is just to be like Christ’
In March of 2021, Paul Vaughn, the president of Personhood Tennessee, was one of several pro-lifers who entered a Carafem abortion facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, in an effort to persuade the abortion-seeking mothers inside to change their minds and choose life for their children. Personhood Tennessee describes itself as “a Christ-centered, biblically informed organization dedicated to the non-violent advancement of the recognition and protection of the God-given, inalienable right to life of all innocent human beings as legal persons at every stage of their biological development.”
In an interview with WZTV, Vaughn described the Mt. Juliet outreach effort, saying: “It was like church service in there, people sitting in the floor in the hallway, people singing hymns, reading scripture, praying. The purpose is to try to save babies today and most importantly be obedient to Christ.”
Over a year and a half later, on October 3, 2022, Vaughn — a husband and the father of 11 children — was federally indicted on charges of conspiracy against rights and FACE Act violations, along with 10 other individuals. Two days later, around 7:20 am, FBI agents armed with drawn assault weapons raided the Vaughn home, placing Vaughn in handcuffs in front of his terrified children and taking him away. The arresting agents refused to provide any information or explanation to Vaughn’s bewildered wife. Video of the incident can be viewed here. (If this scenario sounds familiar, that’s because pro-life sidewalk counselor Mark Houck received similar treatment from the FBI. Houck was eventually acquitted of FACE Act charges.)
🚨 One of the pro-life leaders targeted by Biden's DOJ sent me footage of the early morning FBI raid on his family home. Paul Vaughn was placed in handcuffs by armed FBI agents in front of his children just before school drop-off. Watch as his wife pleads for answers mid-arrest:
11 pro-life activists have been indicted by Biden's DOJ for protesting outside an abortion clinic in Tennessee.
Meet the Christian memaws and papaws charged as "co-conspirators" now facing up to 11 years in federal prison for a peaceful "blockade" demonstration 🧵
Over a year after that, Vaughn was tried and convicted of both charges in a Nashville federal court. He is currently facing up to 11 years in prison. Sentencing will be held on July 2.
Live Action News recently spoke with Vaughn and his attorney, Steve Crampton of the Thomas More Society, about Vaughn’s case, the FACE Act, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) apparent policy of targeting pro-lifers for draconian prosecution, and how pro-lifers should respond.
“CONSPIRACY AGAINST RIGHTS” AND THE HISTORY OF THE FACE ACT
Addressing the recentstring of convictions of pro-life rescuers, Live Action News asked for insight into how it is possible for these individuals to be convicted of so-called “conspiracy against rights” violations in light of the Supreme Court’s finding in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that there is no such thing as a “right to abortion” in federal law.
Crampton replied:
Asked if this is a subject that could be pursued on appeal, Crampton said: “Yes. One of our major arguments on appeal is the unconstitutionality of FACE altogether, in light of the fact that abortion has been erased from the legend of constitutional rights.”
Crampton went on to explain more about the history of the FACE Act (emphasis added):
A BROKEN JUSTICE SYSTEM
Live Action News noted that these prosecutions have had a negative impact on the morale of many pro-lifers. Vaughn agreed, stating:
Crampton concurred, stating: “I think that was always the intent of the Department of Justice and the Biden White House. It’s an interim tactic to instill fear into other pro-lifers and cause them not to take a stand for life.” He added:
Crampton went on to state: “There’s something drastically wrong at the root of our system…. Never before in the history of our nation has the government brought any conspiracy charges, let alone felony conspiracy, against peaceful, nonviolent civil disobedience like this.” He added:
REFLECTING THE IMAGE OF CHRIST TO THE CULTURE
In light of these intimidating circumstances, Live Action News asked Vaughn how he would advise young pro-life activists. Vaughn replied by noting that the term “activist” can be problematic due to the connotations that have become associated with it as a result of the violent tactics of groups like Antifa. He then added:
Paul Vaughn and family
Vaughn also emphasized the spiritual nature of the battle in which we are engaged, and the need for pro-lifers, particularly Christians, to take a step back and analyze the bigger picture:
“In a lot of cases,” Vaughn said, “it’s us – it’s our own character weakness that is the issue.”
Vaughn encouraged those who wish to make things right in our nation and our culture “to take an extra moment this week in prayer,” and to “get on your knees before God and say, ‘God, show me my weaknesses, where I’m not reflecting You well in the culture.’ And if a handful of people would do that,” Vaughn concluded, “I’d say that this has all been worthwhile.”
Live Action News is pro-life news and commentary from a pro-life perspective.
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