Sidewalk Standoff: Thomas More Society attorneys have averted a constitutional conflict in Jacksonville, Florida, where pro-life sidewalk counselors were threatened with arrest outside an abortion clinic. The city, which originally denied the citizens their right to witness for life on the public right-of-way, has now reversed that decision after the Thomas More Society presented the city with a compelling demand letter explaining that Florida law affirms the rights of Jacksonville’s Sidewalk Advocates for Life.

Martin Cannon, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel, explained the situation: “The Sidewalk Advocates were fully within their legal right as they peacefully reached out to women approaching the abortion clinic, offering them life-saving alternatives to abortion.”

Despite that, Jacksonville Sheriff officers threatened the pro-life advocates with arrest if they stood in the public right-of-way outside All Women’s Health Center. Compounding the city’s error, the Assistant Division Chief of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office then reaffirmed the threat of arrest in writing.

In response to the city’s threats, Cannon and colleagues presented Jacksonville authorities with a demand letter setting forth Florida law, which affirmed the right of the pro-life counselors to be present in the public areas around the clinic and threatened a lawsuit if the city did not back down. After reviewing the demand letter, the city quickly reversed course. In a written response, the city attorney acknowledged the rights of Jacksonville’s Sidewalk Advocates for Life to use the public right-of-way, and withdrew the threat of arrest and prosecution.

Cannon remarked: “We are pleased that we prevailed on behalf of our clients. Jacksonville’s Sidewalk Advocates for Life have returned to the roadside, to continue their life-affirming work.”

Read the letter to Thomas More Society attorneys from legal counsel for the City of Jacksonville here.