Pro-lifers claim victory for free speech after Minneapolis buffer zone lawsuit

Pro-lifers in Minneapolis are claiming a victory after the city amended its ordinance that had prohibited pro-life speech outside abortion facilities.

The previous ordinance had instituted a “safety zone” — commonly known as a buffer zone — around any driveways of the city’s abortion facilities, prohibiting pro-life activity within the zone. Currently, it appears there is only one abortion facility in the city — a Planned Parenthood located on Lagoon Ave. In April 2023, the group Pro-Life Action Ministries sued the city, arguing the ordinance was a violation of the group’s freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

In a press release from December 17, Pro-Life Action Ministries announced that the city had amended its ordinance, effectively nullifying the buffer zone at Planned Parenthood and giving the pro-lifers a “full victory” in regards to the lawsuit.

Pro-Life Action Ministries noted that despite the ordinance, the group had still been able to effectively minister to women outside the buffer zone, including helping a woman whose baby is due to be born in February. However, because of the buffer zone ordinance, sidewalk counselors had been forced to stand in the street, putting their own safety at risk.

READ: Court issues ‘shock ruling’ against UK military vet who prayed silently in abortion buffer zone

”Having our rights restored increases the possibility to help women and save more babies from abortion,” said Brian Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Pro-Life Action Ministries. “We are elated that the City of Minneapolis has recognized its fault in suppressing our First Amendment rights. This is a win for the unborn babies.  Other cities need to take note to never simply do Planned Parenthood’s bidding and interfere with citizens’ Constitutional rights.”

In its lawsuit, the group was represented by Thomas More Society, which also praised the victory.

“We are incredibly pleased with this victory against the City of Minneapolis and its unconstitutional no-speech zone law,” said Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President & Head of Litigation. “Minneapolis thought it could get away with targeting pro-life speech by creating an unconstitutional, content-based no-speech zone—crafted exclusively for the purpose of hamstringing pro-life sidewalk counseling efforts outside of the city’s abortion facilities. Today, that city ordinance is no more and our dear friends and clients at Pro-Life Action Ministries can go about their life-saving efforts without fear or threat of penalties for sharing the pro-life message.”

Tell President Trump, RFK, Jr., Elon, and Vivek:

Stop killing America’s future. Defund Planned Parenthood NOW!