PASTORS/CLERGY - please make the time to join us to learn more!
On Monday, March 8, Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) would like to meet with area pastors/clergy to give a briefing on the “Buffer Zone” that is being proposed and considered by the Toledo City Council as the “Patient Safety” Ordinance. It is critical that you, as a church leader, understand how this ordinance will infringe and erode personal freedoms including the free speech which we hold dear in our call to ‘go and tell’.
The Foundation for Life, the Center for Christian Virtue, the Toledo Diocese, the Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio and the Ohio Right to Life are collaborating to stand in opposition to this ordinance. “Stifled speech is not free speech,” writes CCV President Aaron Baer in the letter CCV sent to the Toledo City Council. “This ordinance violates the First Amendment and restricts the distribution of life-saving education in the form of leaflets and literature.”
The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Nick Komives, states that, within 100 feet of the abortion facility premises, no person shall be allowed to “approach or follow another person within eight 8 feet of such person, unless such other person consents, for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with such other person in the public way or sidewalk area.” This will take away the opportunity for sidewalk counselors to extend hope and compassionate choice to women in crisis.
Please make time to join us for this update and discussion so that we, as one body of Christ, can stand together under the unifying umbrella of freedom and ask that these elected officials do their job to protect our freedoms by saying no to this unjustifiable and redundant ordinance proposed under dishonest pretenses.
The meeting will be from 10am to 11:30am at
First Alliance Church Youth Building
2147 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH
On Monday, March 8, 2021
We hope to see you there. And, please invite other Christian pastors and clergy to be there. Together we can make a difference in the defense of the freedoms we cherish but we must act now. #freespeechsaveslives
The Foundation for Life, the Center for Christian Virtue, the Toledo Diocese, the Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio and the Ohio Right to Life are collaborating to stand in opposition to this ordinance. “Stifled speech is not free speech,” writes CCV President Aaron Baer in the letter CCV sent to the Toledo City Council. “This ordinance violates the First Amendment and restricts the distribution of life-saving education in the form of leaflets and literature.”
The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Nick Komives, states that, within 100 feet of the abortion facility premises, no person shall be allowed to “approach or follow another person within eight 8 feet of such person, unless such other person consents, for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with such other person in the public way or sidewalk area.” This will take away the opportunity for sidewalk counselors to extend hope and compassionate choice to women in crisis.
Please make time to join us for this update and discussion so that we, as one body of Christ, can stand together under the unifying umbrella of freedom and ask that these elected officials do their job to protect our freedoms by saying no to this unjustifiable and redundant ordinance proposed under dishonest pretenses.
The meeting will be from 10am to 11:30am at
First Alliance Church Youth Building
2147 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH
On Monday, March 8, 2021
We hope to see you there. And, please invite other Christian pastors and clergy to be there. Together we can make a difference in the defense of the freedoms we cherish but we must act now. #freespeechsaveslives
GOOD NEWS STORY
Life Saved this week by Sidewalk Counselor, Feb 24, 2021
"Mom2B" was getting in her car after coming out of the abortion clinic when a sidewalk counselor engaged her. From my position, I could see her talking to the sidewalk counselor but could not hear the conversation. I then saw her heading toward the sidewalk counselor, who was not completely in my vision. My thought was that she was going to be getting in his face, so I moved to a position where I could partially see both of them… Instead of getting in his face, she gave him a hug! She had decided to keep her baby!”
The sidewalk escorts from Capital Care began yelling at the sidewalk advocate giving the mother a hug because he supposedly stepped onto their property – yelling that this is why they need the proposed ordinance to pass in Toledo City Council.
Friends, please reach out to City Council! It is as if they want to make it illegal to give a woman a hug for choosing life! We cannot stand for this, and City Council needs to hear from us – always in charity and love – but they need to hear the truth! Please, call or email today: Next Hearing on Ordinance limiting sidewalk presence is on Wednesday, March 3!
Above all though, let us give thanks today that this world will have another heart beating, another smile and another child, made in the image and likeness of God, spared from abortion!
"Mom2B" was getting in her car after coming out of the abortion clinic when a sidewalk counselor engaged her. From my position, I could see her talking to the sidewalk counselor but could not hear the conversation. I then saw her heading toward the sidewalk counselor, who was not completely in my vision. My thought was that she was going to be getting in his face, so I moved to a position where I could partially see both of them… Instead of getting in his face, she gave him a hug! She had decided to keep her baby!”
The sidewalk escorts from Capital Care began yelling at the sidewalk advocate giving the mother a hug because he supposedly stepped onto their property – yelling that this is why they need the proposed ordinance to pass in Toledo City Council.
Friends, please reach out to City Council! It is as if they want to make it illegal to give a woman a hug for choosing life! We cannot stand for this, and City Council needs to hear from us – always in charity and love – but they need to hear the truth! Please, call or email today: Next Hearing on Ordinance limiting sidewalk presence is on Wednesday, March 3!
Above all though, let us give thanks today that this world will have another heart beating, another smile and another child, made in the image and likeness of God, spared from abortion!
Update on proposed Ordinance
Anti Free Speech Ordinance Update
Feb 18, 2021
One Wednesday, Feb 17, Toledo City Council Member Nick Komives gave the first reading (formally introduced) of the Proposed TCC ordinance "Patient Safety". A request was made to refer this proposed law to a committee for review and public input. It was assigned to the Public Safety Committee. The Public Safety Chairman is Chris Delaney. He will schedule a public hearing; however, any hearings will be virtual due to COVID19 concerns.
The justification for the ordinance rests on the false assertion that the prospective customers of Toledo's abortion facility are physically prohibited from entering that place of business. The fact is, there are only two police reported instances since February 2017. One was dismissed and in the other, the City of Toledo arrested an individual for sharing his faith (publicly with customers of the abortion facility). This individual later sued the City and won which required the City to pay his attorney's fees.
How can you make a difference for Life? One, PRAY for the defeat of the ordinance. Two, EMAIL members of TCC. The number of emails they have received thus far are 3 to 1 in favor of the ordinance! We need you to respond TODAY as a strong voice for the voiceless and a compassionate voice for the care of pregnant women. Three, ENCOURAGE OTHERS to email and pray. A strong, grassroots response is vital to protect our rights to pray and have a presence in public.
Remember, TCC members are not the enemy. The abortion workers and escorts are not our enemies. Let us communicate our appeals in love and respect, for God made us all in His image and likeness.
The hearing date is yet to be announced. We will notify you as soon as it is set so that we can have a overwhelming presence as a pro-life, caring body for both baby, mom and family. Thanks for all you are doing to make a difference for life where we live.
Sample Email/Letter HERE.
Feb 18, 2021
One Wednesday, Feb 17, Toledo City Council Member Nick Komives gave the first reading (formally introduced) of the Proposed TCC ordinance "Patient Safety". A request was made to refer this proposed law to a committee for review and public input. It was assigned to the Public Safety Committee. The Public Safety Chairman is Chris Delaney. He will schedule a public hearing; however, any hearings will be virtual due to COVID19 concerns.
The justification for the ordinance rests on the false assertion that the prospective customers of Toledo's abortion facility are physically prohibited from entering that place of business. The fact is, there are only two police reported instances since February 2017. One was dismissed and in the other, the City of Toledo arrested an individual for sharing his faith (publicly with customers of the abortion facility). This individual later sued the City and won which required the City to pay his attorney's fees.
How can you make a difference for Life? One, PRAY for the defeat of the ordinance. Two, EMAIL members of TCC. The number of emails they have received thus far are 3 to 1 in favor of the ordinance! We need you to respond TODAY as a strong voice for the voiceless and a compassionate voice for the care of pregnant women. Three, ENCOURAGE OTHERS to email and pray. A strong, grassroots response is vital to protect our rights to pray and have a presence in public.
Remember, TCC members are not the enemy. The abortion workers and escorts are not our enemies. Let us communicate our appeals in love and respect, for God made us all in His image and likeness.
The hearing date is yet to be announced. We will notify you as soon as it is set so that we can have a overwhelming presence as a pro-life, caring body for both baby, mom and family. Thanks for all you are doing to make a difference for life where we live.
Sample Email/Letter HERE.
Proposed ordinance to limit presence on sidewalks at abortion clinic
Members of Toledo City Council are scheduled to introduce an ordinance (Below) which would make it illegal for sidewalk counselors to minister to those going into the abortion mill on W. Sylvania Avenue or to offer alternatives to those going into Planned Parenthood. It restricts prayer vigils and the semi-annual Forty Days for Life vigils to days and hours when these facilities are not open.
These limited hours, called "safe zones", are a direct assault on your freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. It is an assault on religious liberty. This cannot stand!
YOU CAN ALSO - Call, Email and PRAY!
Now is the time to make your voice heard and to make a difference for life where you live. Even if you don't reside within the city limits of Toledo, it is just as important that you contact members of city council and especially the President of Council, Matt Cherry. We need to impress on council our opposition and do so in masse! Use the talking points below to convey your message.
COUNCIL MEMBERS BY DISTRICT
These limited hours, called "safe zones", are a direct assault on your freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. It is an assault on religious liberty. This cannot stand!
YOU CAN ALSO - Call, Email and PRAY!
Now is the time to make your voice heard and to make a difference for life where you live. Even if you don't reside within the city limits of Toledo, it is just as important that you contact members of city council and especially the President of Council, Matt Cherry. We need to impress on council our opposition and do so in masse! Use the talking points below to convey your message.
- Tell Toledo City Council (TCC) that the ordinance referred to as "Impeding Access to Health Care" is unnecessary as current law safeguards one's access under existing statute in sections 351.07(24) and 509.03 of Toledo Municipal Code.
- That this ordinance is a direct assault on my freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
- There is virtually no documented evidence of any individual ever having their access blocked, obstructed or prevented from entering the abortion facility located at 1160 West Sylvania Ave.
- The courts have repeatedly struck down buffer zone ordinances. This is a waste of Toledo's limited financial resources.
- I strongly urge you to vote NO on this attack on free speech.
- Email all the members of City Council (see emails below) using the talking points listed above.
- Phone: 419-245-1050 and leave a message for President of Council - Matt Cherry.
- Pray that that this ordinance is defeated
COUNCIL MEMBERS BY DISTRICT
- District 1: John Hobbs III - john.hobbs@toledo.oh.gov
- District 2: Matt Cherry - Matt.Cherry@toledo.oh.gov
- District 3: Theresa Gadus - theresa.gadus@toledo.oh.gov
- District 4: Vanice S. Williams - vanice.williams@toledo.oh.gov
- District 5: Sam Melden - sam.melden@toledo.oh.gov
- District 6: Chris Delaney - chris.delaney@toledo.oh.gov
- Dr. Cecelia Adams - Cecelia.Adams@toledo.oh.gov
- Rob Ludeman - Rob.Ludeman@toledo.oh.gov
- Nick Komives - nick.komives@Toledo.oh.gov
- Cerssandra McPherson - cerssandra.mcpherson@toledo.oh.gov
- Katie Moline - katie.moline@toledo.oh.gov
- Dr. Tiffany M. Preston-Whitman - tiffany.whitman@Toledo.oh.gov
Proposed Ordinance
ORD.
Enacting Toledo Municipal Code Section 521.13 “Patient Safety”; and declaring an emergency.
WHEREAS, Toledo City Council recognizes that access to reproductive health care facilities for the purpose of obtaining medical counseling and treatment is imperative for the residents of this region; and that preventing the willful obstruction of a person’s access to medical counseling and treatment at a reproductive health care facility is a matter of safety and of citywide concern. City Council therefore declares that it is appropriate to enact legislation that prohibits a person from knowingly obstructing another person's entry to or exit from a reproductive health care facility; and
WHEREAS, preventing the willful obstruction of and interference with people’s access to reproductive health care and the protection of public safety is a matter of citywide concern; and
WHEREAS, there is a documented history of obstruction of and interference with people’s access to reproductive health care services in Toledo; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance ensures that First Amendment freedoms including speech and peaceable assembly are not unduly restricted or overburdened, and no more than minimally necessary to ensure safe and unhindered access to reproductive health care facilities. NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That a new Section 521.13, entitled “Patient Safety” be enacted to read as follows:
521.13 Patient Safety
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Reproductive Health Care Facility" means a hospital, clinic, ambulatory surgical treatment center, other center, medical school, office of a physician, infirmary, dispensary, medical training institution, or other health care facility at which licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized persons provide health care services and/or health care counseling relating to the human reproductive system or family planning services, including abortion.
(2) "Premises" means any land, building, structure, parking lot, driveway or place belonging to, controlled by, or in custody of another, and any separate enclosure or room, or portion thereof.
(3) “Driveway” means an entry from a public street to a public or private parking area or patient drop-off and pick-up area used by a reproductive health care facility.
(b) No person shall knowingly do any of the following:
(1) Physically obstruct or block another person from entering into or exiting from the Premises of a Reproductive Health Care Facility by physically striking, shoving, restraining, grabbing, or otherwise subjecting the person to unwanted physical contact, or attempt or threaten to do the same;
(2) Obstruct or block the Premises of a Reproductive Health Care Facility, so as to impede access to or from the facility, attempt to do the same, or block the Driveway as set forth in section 351.07(a)(24) of Toledo Municipal Code;
(3) Approach or follow another person within 8 feet of such person, unless such other person consents, for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with such other person in the public way or sidewalk area; and such 8-foot buffer zone shall apply within a radius of 100 feet from the Premises of the Reproductive Health Care Facility.
(c)At the request of any reproductive health care facility, the City of Toledo shall install or paint appropriate signage at the facility to inform the public of these regulations. At a minimum, the signage must indicate “Reproductive Health Care Facility: Obstructing access to this facility is a violation of the law.”
(d) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense. On subsequent offenses, the court may sentence the offender to a maximum fine of $1,000 and a jail term not to exceed one (1) year, notwithstanding the terms of imprisonment set forth in Chapter 2929 of the Ohio Revised Code.[ED1]
SECTION 2. That the purpose of this code section is to increase public safety and order at reproductive health care facilities, protect the medical privacy of patients seeking medical services as well as protecting the patients’ physical and psychological well-being, protect the free flow of traffic on sidewalks and streets, and at the same time ensure that First Amendment speech rights are not unduly restricted or burdened.
SECTION 3. That all formal actions concerning and relating to the passage of this Ordinance were passed in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and property and for the further reason that it is necessary for the immediate protection and safety of people seeking consultation and services at reproductive health care facilities.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
[ED1]We suggest a fourth-degree misdemeanor for encroaching on the buffer zone, and a first-degree misdemeanor for any physical contact that may occur. This would be consistent with our code. By way of example, domestic violence, assault, and OVI cases, the most serious cases handled in Municipal Court, are first-degree misdemeanors.
Enacting Toledo Municipal Code Section 521.13 “Patient Safety”; and declaring an emergency.
WHEREAS, Toledo City Council recognizes that access to reproductive health care facilities for the purpose of obtaining medical counseling and treatment is imperative for the residents of this region; and that preventing the willful obstruction of a person’s access to medical counseling and treatment at a reproductive health care facility is a matter of safety and of citywide concern. City Council therefore declares that it is appropriate to enact legislation that prohibits a person from knowingly obstructing another person's entry to or exit from a reproductive health care facility; and
WHEREAS, preventing the willful obstruction of and interference with people’s access to reproductive health care and the protection of public safety is a matter of citywide concern; and
WHEREAS, there is a documented history of obstruction of and interference with people’s access to reproductive health care services in Toledo; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance ensures that First Amendment freedoms including speech and peaceable assembly are not unduly restricted or overburdened, and no more than minimally necessary to ensure safe and unhindered access to reproductive health care facilities. NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That a new Section 521.13, entitled “Patient Safety” be enacted to read as follows:
521.13 Patient Safety
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Reproductive Health Care Facility" means a hospital, clinic, ambulatory surgical treatment center, other center, medical school, office of a physician, infirmary, dispensary, medical training institution, or other health care facility at which licensed, certified or otherwise legally authorized persons provide health care services and/or health care counseling relating to the human reproductive system or family planning services, including abortion.
(2) "Premises" means any land, building, structure, parking lot, driveway or place belonging to, controlled by, or in custody of another, and any separate enclosure or room, or portion thereof.
(3) “Driveway” means an entry from a public street to a public or private parking area or patient drop-off and pick-up area used by a reproductive health care facility.
(b) No person shall knowingly do any of the following:
(1) Physically obstruct or block another person from entering into or exiting from the Premises of a Reproductive Health Care Facility by physically striking, shoving, restraining, grabbing, or otherwise subjecting the person to unwanted physical contact, or attempt or threaten to do the same;
(2) Obstruct or block the Premises of a Reproductive Health Care Facility, so as to impede access to or from the facility, attempt to do the same, or block the Driveway as set forth in section 351.07(a)(24) of Toledo Municipal Code;
(3) Approach or follow another person within 8 feet of such person, unless such other person consents, for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling with such other person in the public way or sidewalk area; and such 8-foot buffer zone shall apply within a radius of 100 feet from the Premises of the Reproductive Health Care Facility.
(c)At the request of any reproductive health care facility, the City of Toledo shall install or paint appropriate signage at the facility to inform the public of these regulations. At a minimum, the signage must indicate “Reproductive Health Care Facility: Obstructing access to this facility is a violation of the law.”
(d) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense. On subsequent offenses, the court may sentence the offender to a maximum fine of $1,000 and a jail term not to exceed one (1) year, notwithstanding the terms of imprisonment set forth in Chapter 2929 of the Ohio Revised Code.[ED1]
SECTION 2. That the purpose of this code section is to increase public safety and order at reproductive health care facilities, protect the medical privacy of patients seeking medical services as well as protecting the patients’ physical and psychological well-being, protect the free flow of traffic on sidewalks and streets, and at the same time ensure that First Amendment speech rights are not unduly restricted or burdened.
SECTION 3. That all formal actions concerning and relating to the passage of this Ordinance were passed in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and property and for the further reason that it is necessary for the immediate protection and safety of people seeking consultation and services at reproductive health care facilities.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
[ED1]We suggest a fourth-degree misdemeanor for encroaching on the buffer zone, and a first-degree misdemeanor for any physical contact that may occur. This would be consistent with our code. By way of example, domestic violence, assault, and OVI cases, the most serious cases handled in Municipal Court, are first-degree misdemeanors.