Missouri Group Accuses Gov. Jay Nixon of Unfairly Targeting Pro-Life Advocates
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
March 23, 2009
Jefferson City, MO (LifeNews.com) — A Missouri pro-life group says pro-abortion Gov. Jay Nixon is abusing state law enforcement and other taxpayer-funded resources to target pro-life Missourians. Missourians United for Life says Nixon thinks pro-life advocates are political enemies and is violating their civil rights.
The complaint was filed in response to a controversial Nixon Administration report issued by the governor’s Missouri Information Analysis Center.
The report, MUL tells LifeNews.com, targets pro-lifers as potential threats to public safety and specifically warns law enforcement that displaying “anti-abortion” material may be a sign of a potential threat.
When asked by a reporter about the controversial report, Nixon defended it stating that getting such information was something “we’re going to continue to do.”
MUL is working with a group not normally on the pro-life side, the Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and has asked the organization to apply instantly for a temporary restraining order against Jay Nixon in U.S. District Court.
“What Governor Nixon is telling Missourians is if you disagree with him on the issue of life or display a pro-life bumper sticker or wear a pro-life pin, you may subjected to action by state law enforcement or your personal information might be sent to a law enforcement analysis center," MUL president Ed Martin told LifeNews.com Monday.
“This is a clear violation of Missourians’ civil rights," Martin adds. "The only intent of such a report by Nixon’s Administration is to harass and intimidate the governor’s perceived political enemies and chill speech and open debate by those who disagree with Jay Nixon on public policy."
Missourians United for Life has filed a complaint against Nixon and is seeking a temporary restraining order against him.
“We are asking the ACLU to take action to protect the civil rights of pro-life Missourians,” Martin said.
“No Missourian should have to worry that they may be pulled over by the Missouri State Highway Patrol if they place a pro-life sticker on their bumper or attend a pro-life event," he said.
Related web sites:
Missourians United for Life – https://www.MissouriansUnitedforLife.com
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