8th Circuit Bolsters Free Speech for All

Abortion, , ,

The following press release is from our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom:

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer, director of the ADF Center for Academic Freedom, regarding a decision Wednesday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in Melton v. City of Forrest City, a case concerning a firefighter who had his employment terminated after he posted a pro-life image on social media, ruling that the firefighter’s free-speech claim should go to a jury:

“All Americans should be free to express viewpoints and ideas without fear of government punishment. When the government decides which topics are appropriate for debate, we all lose. The 8th Circuit rightly recognized that the First Amendment’s bar on heckler’s vetoes protects the full-bodied discussions necessary for public debate. Governments can’t monopolize the marketplace of ideas, otherwise organizations like The Douglass Leadership Institute, The Radiance Foundation, and Speak for Life, which stand for life—especially in Black communities that are disproportionately affected by abortion—wouldn’t be free to speak without fear of government reprisal. The court’s decision allows free speech to flourish for all.”

“The problem is that there was no showing that Melton’s post had an impact on the fire department itself,” the 8th Circuit wrote in its ruling. “No current firefighter complained or confronted him about it. Nor did any co-worker or supervisor refuse to work with him. Granting summary judgment based on such ‘vague and conclusory’ concerns, without more, runs the risk of constitutionalizing a heckler’s veto.”

In February 2024, ADF attorneys filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of The Douglass Leadership Institute, The Radiance Foundation, and Speak for Life.

  • Pronunciation guide: Langhofer (LANG’-hoff-ur)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

# # #

READ MORE

Crossett to Dedicate First Safe Haven Baby Box on August 20

Abortion, , , ,

The following is a press release from Arkansas Right to Life.

CROSSETT – Crossett’s 1st and Arkansas’ 31th Safe Haven Baby Box will be dedicated at 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, at Ashley County Medical Center, 1015 Unity Road. The public is invited.

“Saving lives just got a little easier in Crossett, Arkansas, as our newest baby box will be blessed on August 20th. The newest addition represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an infant,” said Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. “Our new location will offer a secure and compassionate option for parents in crisis and help ensure every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future. Across the country, there are 367 Safe Haven Baby Box locations with 31 in Arkansas.”

Kelsey added, “The Safe Haven Baby Box in Crossett would not have been possible without the local advocates, the Ashley County Medical Center, and Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center, for working tirelessly to bring this resource to their community.”

Speakers expected at the event include Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life; Phillip Gilmore, CEO, Ashley County Medical Center; Senator Ben Gilmore, and Rep. Howard Beatty. Phillip Slaughter, pastor of First Baptist Church, Crossett, will offer a blessing and remarks.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey on a mission to end infant abandonment. In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1. Twenty-four states have a Baby Box presence within their state. Kelsey shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”

Since 2017, 60 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National Safe Haven Crisis line has assisted with more than 150 handoff surrenders. Each year the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of Family Services coordinates the adoption process.

–30–

READ MORE

Arkansas A.G. Discusses Abortion Drugs, Shield Laws On “Washington Watch”

Abortion, , , ,

Last week Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin appeared on Family Research Council’s “Washington Watch” to discuss how pro-abortion states are enacting “shield laws” that help abortionists ship abortion drugs into states like Arkansas.

Attorney General Griffin recently sent cease-and-desist letters to out-of-state companies advertising abortion in Arkansas. He has also urged the federal government to restrict abortion drugs and let states like Arkansas enforce their pro-life laws.

Abortion drugs don’t just kill unborn children. They also hurt women.

A recent study by the experts at the Ethics and Public Policy Center found abortion drugs are at least 22 times more dangerous than previously thought. Researchers determined that from 2017 to 2023, nearly one in nine women suffered serious health complications like sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging as a direct result of the abortion drugs.

We appreciate Attorney General Griffin’s leadership on this issue and his willingness to stand up for women and unborn children. Abortion drugs are dangerous. They simply should not be for sale in America.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

READ MORE