Catholic League Seeks Legal Assistance for Christians Mocked at Northern Illinois...

[Michie]

...Women’s Center

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Catholic League President Bill Donohue made public a letter he sent to Patrick W. Hayes, Legal Director, City of Rockford, Illinois.



ROCKFORD, Illinois (Catholic Online) -

We reported this week on the house of horrors which is called the “Northern Illinois Women’s Center”. In addition to the evils committed inside, the staff has taken to placing blasphemous, sacrilegious and intentionally provocative signs and symbols in its windows in order to mock, taunt and cause injury to the brave Christian defenders of life who stand outside exercising their First Amendment rights.

William A. “Bill” Donohue, Ph.D. is well known to our readers. He is the President of the Catholic League. I call him a pugilist who uses his words not his fists. He is the kind of man you want on your side in a real fight. And with the advance of the Culture of Death, all who are engaged in building a new culture of life are in such a fight. Certainly our friends in Rockford, Illinois are in a real fight. They need our prayers and our action.

St. Paul reminded the early Christians in Ephesus: “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.”(Eph.:12)

They lived, as do we , in a hostile culture. They were called, as are we, to transform it through the witness of both their words and their lives. St. Paul used the protections of the positive law of his own age to defend the right to proclaim the only message which liberates all men and women. So must we. St. Paul used his Roman citizenship to further his ability to continue to preach the Gospel which itself brought about the very conversion of that empire. (See, Acts 25). We must use our American citizenship to effectively protect our work in the culture.

We should use the positive law and the protections it offers to us to protect the right to proclaim the truth and be free from harassment while doing so.The Catholic League helps us to do this. Bill Donohue is a Champion of the Rights of Catholics and the Catholic Church and he understands how to use such legal and public interest strategy.

He is to be applauded and supported for the effort he has undertaken to seek assistance from the Legal Director of the City of Rockford, Illinois for the Christians defending children in Rockford. The following release has been issued by the Catholic League:

CHRISTIANS PROVOKED IN ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

Catholic League president Bill Donohue is making public a letter he sent today to Patrick W. Hayes, Legal Director, City of Rockford, Illinois. Here is the text of that letter:

“I am aware that the Northern Illinois Women’s Center has long been the subject of controversy in Rockford; the rights of pro-life demonstrators have allegedly been violated. That is an important issue, but that is not the reason why I am contacting you.

“My concern rests with the egregious provocation of Christians attendant to the enclosed graphic of Jesus Christ extending his middle finger; the inscription, “Even Jesus Hates You,” appears below it. This graphic is currently being displayed in the window of the Center, in full view of adults and children; it has also been displayed, at various times, in the past.

“Under Part I, Chapters 19-3 and 19-4, “Offensive Uses of Property” and “Permitting Offensive Use of Property,” respectively, of the City of Rockford’s Code of Ordinance, it is illegal to “disturb or destroy the peace of the neighborhood in which such building or premises are situated, or be dangerous or detrimental to health.”

“This incendiary picture, designed to inflame Christian passions by assaulting their sensibilities and denigrating their religion—in a vile and obscene manner—constitutes such an infraction. As such, I am requesting that you take appropriate action against the Center to put an end to such needless provocation. Thank you for your consideration.”

*****

Certainly, placing a poster of Jesus Christ engaging in an obscene gesture allegedly directed toward Christians outside with the inscription, “Even Jesus Hates You,” is an “offensive use of property”. Certainly placing a rubber chicken over the Body of Christ on a Cross is blasphemy and sacrilege. Bill Donohue and the Catholic League have asked the City to intervene citing a City Ordinance, a positive law, which gives them the authority to act.

We applaud Bill Donohue and the Catholic League for coming to the defense of the pro-Life heroes of Rockford. We also affirm his effort to seek assistance from the Legal Director of the City, Patrick W. Hayes. We ask our readers to stand with him. Our motto at Catholic Online is “inform”, “inspire”, and “ignite”. It is time to ignite a flame of indignation against such egregious behavior against Christians who are defending children in the womb against being killed in Rockford.

Mr. Hayes, according to their web site: “Acts as chief legal counsel to all City departments, the City Council and the Finance and Personnel Committee.” He needs to hear from our readers.

His E-Mail address is:
patrick.hayes@rockfordil.gov

His mailing address:
Legal Director, Patrick W. Hayes,
425 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61104.

His phone number:
(815) 987-5785

His fax:
(815) 987-8066

 

[Michie]

By Deacon Keith Fournier
9/25/2009

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

'We are aware that the Catholic League has been a worthy champion of the First Amendment rights of Catholics and all other Christians'

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Catholic Online) -

We are pleased to be able to publish a letter which was received by the Catholic League. It was sent from Patrick W. Hayes, the Director of the Legal Department in Rockford, Illinois. We were forwarded a copy of the letter at the direct request of Mr. Hayes.

We publish the letter for several reasons.

First, because we were asked to do so. It demonstrates the efforts of a public official who should be affirmed for acting to bring an end to the offense against Christians committed by the owners of the abortion facitily in his City. Secondly, we do so to thank the Catholic League for their bold and courageous efforts, not only in this matter but in hundreds of matters which they regularly handle. Finally, we do so to thank you, our readers, and to let you know that you can and do make a difference! In fact, this shows us all that together we can act in Pro-Life Solidarity to make a real difference.

The removal of this blasphemous, profane and sacriligious sign is a victory for Free Speech, Free Association and the Free Exercise of Religion, all protected rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But it is more. It provides a blueprint for how we must begin to come together now. It demonstrates the kind of action which all Christians must be willing to undertake as we continue our missionary work in a culture which has lost its moral compass.

Bill Donohue indicated to me when he sent us a copy of the letter he wrote that our publication of the article drawing attention to the matter made a real difference. Catholic Online is dedicated to doing much, much more as we all join together in the days ahead. As I mentioned in my article yesterday: "St. Paul used his Roman citizenship to further his ability to continue to preach the Gospel which itself brought about the very conversion of that empire. (See, Acts 25). We must use our American citizenship to effectively protect our work in the culture.

We should use the positive law and the protections it offers to us to secure and defend the right to proclaim the truth and be free from harassment while doing so.The Catholic League helps us to do this. Bill Donohue is a Champion of the Rights of Catholics and the Catholic Church and he understands how to use such legal and public interest strategy."

Thank you Bill Donohue and thank you Catholic League.Our readers will notice in Bill's Press Release published below this article that Bill is not backing down. The Legal Director did the right thing, but he did not take the clear position he should have in this letter. Bill Donohue came back with a responsive letter to the Legal Director which is another example of why I affectionately call him a "pugilist with words."

Thank you faithful Catholics and other Christians who were willing to take a stand and to act! Thank you Pro-Life heroes in Rockford, Illinois who have borne the heat of the battle, standing up for those being killed and bearing the brunt of the persecution which this incident so clearly demonstrated. You are the true champions! Thank you Lord of Life, for defending your people against abuse. Together we ask you to bring an end to the evil occuring within that facility and bring an end to the killing of our smallest neighbors in our Nation.

Here is the letter:

******

Mr. William A. Donohue, Ph.D. President
Catholic League
450 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10123

Dear Mr. Donohue:

I have received your letter of September 24, 2009 wherein you enclosed a graphic of Jesus Christ extending his middle finger with the inscription, "Even Jesus Hates You." This graphic is allegedly currently being displayed in the window of the Northern lllinois Women's Center in Rockford, Illinois. You assert that it has also been displayed, at various times, in the past. Please be advised a member of my staff has contacted Mr. Webster, who operates the building that houses the clinic, and he has agreed to remove the picture.

As you are aware, the Center has long been the subject of controversy in Rockford. Several times a week pro-life demonstrators are engaged in demonstrations against the abortions which occur inside. They carry placards and signs protesting the legal availability of abortion. In fact, our department and the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office have received complaints as to the graphic photographic depictions of completed abortions on these signs. Of course, our offices have declined to prosecute the protestors based on their first amendment right to free expression, even though these depictions have often been upsetting to children and others with weak constitutions.

The City of Rockford is currently involved in a lawsuit where it has been alleged that the rights of pro-life demonstrators have been violated.

There has been a great deal of media attention surrounding this case largely from pro-life web sites and bloggers. The City of Rockford has categorically denied these allegations and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. As the chief legal representative of the City of Rockford, I am unable to comment further about this pending matter other than to say that the City of Rockford believes we have protected the constitutional rights of all parties to the abortion dispute.

You suggest that Chapters 19-3 and 19-4, "Offensive Uses of Property" and "Permitting Offensive Use of Property" of the City of Rockford's Code of Ordinance, where it is illegal to "disturb or destroy the peace of the neighborhood in which such building or premises are situated, or be dangerous or detrimental to health" are violated by the display of this cartoon. However, I must disagree. I am unaware as to the number of past displays of the poster or its' current display, but I do know that I have not received a single complaint regarding its' display from a resident of the neighborhood or even a resident of the City of Rockford or State of Illinois. I have also not received any reports of the physical or mental health of anyone adversely affected by this display. I realize that this fact, alone is not determinative as to the issue, but it certainly is indicative as to the religious tolerance of the Christians in our community, and their awareness of the First Amendments rights of those who disagree with, and sometimes taunt them.

We are aware that the Catholic League has been a worthy champion of the First Amendment rights of Catholics and all other Christians to practice their religion without fear of recrimination. However, as you are undoubtedly well-aware, Americans also possess the right to not practice a religion, as well. We also have the right to create satire of others' religious beliefs. I think we can agree that this practice is generally in bad taste, and oft times can be quite vulgar, but the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled in the Flynt case and others, that satire is a protected form of expression.

I personally share your disappointment in the depiction of Jesus Christ in this Cartoon. I can also sympathize with Muslims who felt that cartoons printed in several American newspapers were blasphemous to their religion. However, in my position, I must recognize and protect the rights of those whose intelligence and scruples I sometimes question. A gentlemen with your intelligence and experience in these matters must certainly do so, as well.

Very Truly Yours
Patrick W. Hayes
Legal Director
City of Rockford Department of Law

*****

May this partial victory in Rockford, Illinois give renewed courage to all who are joined together in the great human rights issue of our age, the struggle to secure the fundamental Right to Life and Freedom to be Born. May this experience teach us all how to stand together against the killing of the innocent unborn, and for one another. This is how we will show the power of Pro-Life solidarity in the face of the assaults against our work.

http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=34501

 

[Fantine]

As disgusting as these window decorations are, do we really want to encourage laws that tell businesses (or homeowners) what they are allowed or not allowed to display on their own private property?

While the dead chicken is clearly offensive, there are some people who would be "offended" by Christmas decorations.....

Don't you think that blanket laws that say businesses can't put displays on their properties that "offend" bystanders could someday be used by atheists to keep people from putting up Christmas decorations?

I do.

 

[seashale76]

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.


Blasphemous mocking of the faith should be expected.

 

[BAFRIEND]

The abortion mill here in Reno has two offensive signs I have to look at twice a day on the way back and forth to work.

 

[AMDG]

Blasphemous mocking of the faith should be expected.

Perhaps. But should it also be condoned and encouraged? Doesn't that lead to more evil?

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Lord, have mercy

Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

 

[seashale76]

Perhaps. But should it also be condoned and encouraged? Doesn't that lead to more evil?

Who said anything about condoning and encouraging? I just don't understand why people are surprised.

 

[Krentis]

I never allow myself to become ashamed of myself for being Catholic - but Donahue and his ilk make it difficult. I do not care to associate myself with people so weak as to seek legal help simply because others are mocking them and they chose to become offended. If you feel you have been "caused injury" by these taunts, you are too weak to be of much use to the pro-life movement. Please stay home or pray from Church. You are not cut out for the battlefield.

 

[AMDG]

If you feel you have been "caused injury" by these taunts, you are too weak to be of much use to the pro-life movement. Please stay home or pray from Church. You are not cut out for the battlefield.

Might it be that legally fighting against unfairness is just another way of fighting on the battlefield? You know that words do have power. Some recognize that and chose to use the very courts to insure that the battlefield is made level.

 

[2Cosmic2Charlie]

The abortion mill here in Reno has two offensive signs I have to look at twice a day on the way back and forth to work.

That free speech thing is a real drag when it not YOUR speech,


ain't it ?

 

[BAFRIEND]

This could be a legal ploy by prolife- think, we lose in court and then ambiguity comes into play- what is good for the goose is good for the egg beater.

 

[Michie]

That free speech thing is a real drag when it not YOUR speech,


ain't it ?

Huh.

Funny, I recall pointing the same thing out to you in another thread about those offensive pictures some pro-lifers hold up.

Hmm.

 

[Fantine]

Laws are not selective.

If there are laws telling businesses they can't put up signs that "offend" any group or individual on their property, there will be atheists who will attempt to use it against businesses that display religious symbols at holidays or other times.

I get my nails done at a salon owned by devout Catholics who have pictures of the Sacred Heart and other devotional items throughout their store. With a law like that, they could get shut down! (Whereas now, I assume, anyone who is "offended" by their religious artwork can just go to a different nail salon.)

 

[Krentis]

Might it be that legally fighting against unfairness is just another way of fighting on the battlefield? You know that words do have power. Some recognize that and chose to use the very courts to insure that the battlefield is made level.

We are Catholics, we are right and just (or should be).

If you believe that our margument (that life is sacred and worth protecting from the momment of conception) is too weak to win without resorting to silencing the speach of our opponents or hoisting gory pictures (reminiscent of the actions of our opponents), then your argument is weak and the world would be better off if instead of protesting you sat in Church and prayed. The Pro-Choicers want to paint pro-lifers as all-controlling extremists. We make it far too easy for them.

The actions of the people of the clinic in the article show that they are nothing more than children, resorting to shock value to get their point accross. We are (or should be) better than they are.

 

[AMDG]

then your argument is weak and the world would be better off if instead of protesting you sat in Church and prayed.

But Jesus told us to be as "wise as serpents" and that seems (at least to me) that the use of all means (including the courts which our opponents use against us) should be used in the "battle". We don't need to fight with one hand tied behind our backs--"we're on a real mission from God". Why not use prayer and the secular means? Afterall, Catholicism is "both/and" not "either/or".

 

[Tigg]

Laws are not selective.

If there are laws telling businesses they can't put up signs that "offend" any group or individual on their property, there will be atheists who will attempt to use it against businesses that display religious symbols at holidays or other times.

I get my nails done at a salon owned by devout Catholics who have pictures of the Sacred Heart and other devotional items throughout their store. With a law like that, they could get shut down! (Whereas now, I assume, anyone who is "offended" by their religious artwork can just go to a different nail salon.)

Agree with you. Let anyone put up any sign. I do not have to and neither does anyone else have to go to that business. Let those who might and do put up horrendous things, do so. Free speech. I don't have to like it but to object and have it removed might one day mean what I might put up or wanta say, I won't be able to.

To much downplaying of our basic freedoms nowadays
God bless

 

[Krentis]

But Jesus told us to be as "wise as serpents" and that seems (at least to me) that the use of all means (including the courts which our opponents use against us) should be used in the "battle". We don't need to fight with one hand tied behind our backs--"we're on a real mission from God". Why not use prayer and the secular means? Afterall, Catholicism is "both/and" not "either/or".

Your argument is that the ends justify the means. I'm not certain that is a Christian attitude.

We can fight against abortion without limiting the free speach of our opponents. We can fight against abortion without resorting to unsavory tactics ourselves. By demonstrating that we are on the side of good, we can win. We will never win by seeking to silence our opponents or resorting to shock-value.

Shame on any person who brings and lawsuit simply because they were offended. There is no right nor to be offended. The pro-choice folks who treat us with scorn and mockery are playing right into our hands - and when we reply with lawsuits, we play right into theirs. Nailing rubber chickens to a cross is not an effective argument for abortion.

 

[AMDG]

Your argument is that the ends justify the means.

No. Jesus didn't say the end justifies the means. He said to be "wise as serpents."

 

[Krentis]

No. Jesus didn't say the end justifies the means. He said to be "wise as serpents."

An invitation to wisdom should not bve percieved as an inviatation to doing wrong, even if the result of that wrong-doing might be favorable to your cause. The lawsuit is short-sighted, petty, and it is an example of foolishness, not wisdom.

I for one appreciate the efforts of braze Americans who shed their blood and gave their lives for this great nation and the freedoms she guarantees way too much to ever consider supporting a lawsuit against those who insult me with their immages. Instead of responding with a lawsuit, I will be the better person. I will choose to not be offended, and I will respond with quiet prayer and patient reason.