DOJ's Targeting of Pro-Life Activists Raises Concerns Over Criminalization of Christian Beliefs

A Washington D.C. judge's suggestion that a 75-year-old pro-life activist should "make every effort to stay alive" based on her religion sparked outrage among pro-life advocates, who fear the Biden administration is criminalizing Christian beliefs.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's comments came during the sentencing of Paulette "Paula" Harlow, who was sentenced to two years in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) with a pro-life demonstration at an abortion clinic in 2020.

DOJ's Targeting of Pro-Life Activists Raises Concerns Over Criminalization of Christian Beliefs

Harlow's husband and attorney pleaded for leniency, citing her rapidly declining health and the potential for her life to be in jeopardy in prison. However, Kollar-Kotelly suggested that staying alive was a "tenet" of Harlow's religion and that she should make every effort to do so.

Pro-life activist Paul Vaughn criticized the judge's comments as an "utterly ridiculous attempt by the DOJ to criminalize Christian beliefs." He argued that the Biden administration was targeting pro-life activists based on their beliefs and using FACE Act to silence their voices.

DOJ's Targeting of Pro-Life Activists Raises Concerns Over Criminalization of Christian Beliefs

Allen Orenberg, Harlow's defense attorney, expressed concern that interrupting Harlow's current care could worsen her condition and that she could not continue to exist without the support of her husband.

Despite the judge's statements, Harlow appeared to assume good intentions from the judge, saying that she was "just saying try to stay alive." However, she also emphasized that saving children was a tenet of her faith.

DOJ's Targeting of Pro-Life Activists Raises Concerns Over Criminalization of Christian Beliefs

Last month, Kollar-Kotelly sentenced multiple pro-life activists to years-long sentences for blocking access to the Washington Surgi-Clinic in 2020. The DOJ reported that Lauren Handy was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and others received sentences ranging from 21 to 34 months.

The sentencing of pro-life activists has sparked widespread condemnation from pro-life groups, who argue that the Biden administration is targeting them for their beliefs and violating their First Amendment rights. They fear the increasing use of FACE Act to suppress pro-life speech and protest.

DOJ's Targeting of Pro-Life Activists Raises Concerns Over Criminalization of Christian Beliefs

Critics have also raised concerns about the potential for prison sentences to worsen the health conditions of elderly and frail pro-life activists like Harlow. They argue that the DOJ should focus its efforts on protecting women's access to healthcare, not criminalizing those who express their pro-life views.

The Biden administration has defended its prosecution of pro-life activists, arguing that it is necessary to enforce the FACE Act and protect women's access to safe and legal abortion services. However, pro-life advocates remain concerned about the chilling effect the sentences are having on their movement and the erosion of First Amendment rights in America.