Posted on 03/10/2006 1:48:47 PM PST by nickcarraway
The town of Los Gatos settled with three anti-abortion activists on Feb. 24, paying their attorneys fees and entering a permanent injunction that will allow protestors on the sidewalk adjacent to Los Gatos High School.
Eight activists were holding signs depicting various facts about abortion, and were handing out literature relevant to the abortion debate on the sidewalk in front of Los Gatos High School in 2004.
"Some of the signs showed babies in various stages of the development, and some showed their condition after they were subjected to the abortion procedure," said Michael Millen, attorney for the activists.
Administrators contacted the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department. Officers responded to the call and requested that the protesters move 1,000 feet away from campus. Five of the protesters left, but three remained, claiming the police department's demand violated their freedom of speech. The activists videotaped the entire scene, Millen said, to serve as an unbiased witness as to the encounter with the police.
Millen, on behalf of the activists, requested U.S. District Court Judge Jeremy Fogel enjoin the town and its officers from interfering with their activities on the public sidewalk. Before the judge issued a final ruling, the town settled the case by stipulating a permanent injunction and paying $21,000 in attorney's fees.
"It's very unfortunate that the town had to pay fees," Millen said.
The injunction specifies that the town will not arrest or interfere with people engaged in a non-disruptive free speech activity on public sidewalks adjacent to the high school. Protesters are permitted to hold signs, distribute literature and engage in conversations in a normal tone of voice subject in the specified areas.
Town Attorney Orry Korb said the town entered settlement discussions with hopes of walking away with a clear agreement with what activities are appropriate and in what locations.
"We abstained that agreement with the plaintiff, but we did not admit to any error and would not admit to any error," Korb said.
ping
That God, the tide is turning, now lets watch the lefties run around like their hair is on fire, sreaming "this is the end of life as we know it."
Should read: Thank God.....
marking
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