City council can decide which taxpayers are allowed on public sidewalks and streets?
The proposed ordinance is based on a false assertion that women are being denied access to the abortion facility. This claim has no basis in fact. In the last five years, there are only two documented incidents that claimed that access was impeded; one was dismissed and the other resulted in a lawsuit the City lost. This shows access has NOT been impeded.
Everybody deserves to access abortion care without being shouted at, harassed, chased, or made to feel unsafe in any capacity. Clinic protestors use intimidation tactics with the purpose of harassing, demeaning and violating patients. The Patient Safety Ordinance is absolutely crucial for both patients and clinic staff.
I oppose Ordinance 61-21. This proposal would be an unconstitutional violation of freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and religion. I urge Toledo City Council to oppose this dangerous proposal.
Harassment and intimidation of private citizens is decidedly not protected speech. One has no business being within 8 feet of someone with intent to obstruct access to care – the city is well within their rights to affirm that a patient’s personal space is not an appropriate forum. I am in full support of Councilmen Komives, Gadus, and Williams’ ordinance, and hope it brings patients as well as the staff the security they deserve.
If this ordinance passes, then why not pass ordinances that would restrict any speech/"protest" outside a facility where anyone may not like it? Clearly there are escorts to help women get into the clinic if they feel threatened. If there is such a threat, the clinic or client can call the police just like any other citizen. Cancel culture at its finest!
The obvious purpose of the proposed ordinance is to “protect” prospective clients of the abortion clinic from having to hear abortion-opposing speech on public streets and sidewalks. Protection against unwelcome speech cannot justify restrictions on the use of public streets and sidewalks. Public streets and sidewalks are traditional forums for speech on matters of public concern. This ordinance is clearly biased and unconstitutional.
Abortion is healthcare. People doing the same things as the anti-choice protestors at any other healthcare facility would be thought to be no less than bizarre and horrific. This ordinance must pass. Stop letting small-minded, religious fanatics harass people because they don't agree with a choice being made that is ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS.
Every person should be free to seek legal, medical care without harassment, threats, and intimidation under the guise of prayer. I have seen protesters block entry to medical facilities, spew hateful and shameful words, and scream at patients seeking medical care. This behavior must stop.
Roe v Wade was decided when I was conceived. My older parents had many children, and my dad lost his job, so several people told them to abort. But they were surrounded with support, and they choose to welcome me. I have brought diapers, formula, and clothing to women who don't have support. My good friend, a successful pathologist, committed suicide because she regretted her two abortions chosen when she was scared and friendless. Women deserve to know that they have other options! Vote no!
Protect women from needless harassment. I find it laughable that some people read this ordinance as "making prayer illegal." So many lies and falsehoods in the comments on this item.
This ordinance is absolutely necessary to protect patients seeking essential care safe from the harassment and intimidation from anti-choice protestors, disguised as "free speech." No one deserves to be manipulated or forced into making medical decisions, and no one should feel unsafe or intimidated while seeking medical care. This type of behavior would not be tolerated at any other medical facility; abortion care should be no exception!
This is a clear violation of free speech under the cloak of women's safety. That clinic has had multiple violations prior that could directly involve women's health. Not one complaint about any sidewalk counselor causing any problems. Why would you not want a women to hear both sides of any issue, are you anti-women rights? this should be about more choice, not less. Please provide any details and reasoning as to why you would want to try and pass this ordinance.
Since there has been no record of illegal activities on the part of sidewalk councilors, it seems this ordinance intends to make prayer and sharing information illegal. As a teenage girl with friends who have been in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy, I can attest to the fact that women aren't given options once they enter a clinic. They are told that abortion is their only option, but that's not the case. There are many other resources, and women deserve to know them! Allow free speech!
This ordinance will serve to protect abortion patients from the harassment, vitriol, and intimidation of anti-choice protestors. No one should have to deal with harassment and feeling fearful or unsafe when accessing basic, essential healthcare. Accessing any other form of health care doesn't come with persistent outside harassment - abortion shouldn't either. Patients deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
I support the ordinance to reduce the harassment of patients seeking legal healthcare by unqualified, extremist “counselors”. Scare tactics of writing down license plates numbers, yelling at patients, blocking driveways have no part under the guise of “Free speech”. No other medical facility would permit this type of harassment to their clients. We all want to reduce the number of abortions. Let’s improve reproductive education in schools to reduce unwanted pregnancies.
With any other medical decision besides abortion, people are afforded a certain privacy and freedom from strangers trying to change their opinion while attempting to receive care. The fact women often require escorts should be evidence enough of the harassment that occurs. Religion should not be a free pass to harangue women when we would not allow that with essentially any other medical procedure.
This ordinance doesn't keep someone from protesting abortion, it is meant to allow the people who use the clinic the ability to enter and leave without being harassed. You can still hear someone talking to you at 8 feet. Some protesters go to far and keep badgering the person. It is not only rude but should bring a penalty as written in the ordinance.
City council can decide which taxpayers are allowed on public sidewalks and streets?
The proposed ordinance is based on a false assertion that women are being denied access to the abortion facility. This claim has no basis in fact. In the last five years, there are only two documented incidents that claimed that access was impeded; one was dismissed and the other resulted in a lawsuit the City lost. This shows access has NOT been impeded.
Everybody deserves to access abortion care without being shouted at, harassed, chased, or made to feel unsafe in any capacity. Clinic protestors use intimidation tactics with the purpose of harassing, demeaning and violating patients. The Patient Safety Ordinance is absolutely crucial for both patients and clinic staff.
I oppose Ordinance 61-21. This proposal would be an unconstitutional violation of freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and religion. I urge Toledo City Council to oppose this dangerous proposal.
Passing this legislation is essential to protect the patients, doctors, staff, and volunteers at our clinic. It is the least we can do.
Harassment and intimidation of private citizens is decidedly not protected speech. One has no business being within 8 feet of someone with intent to obstruct access to care – the city is well within their rights to affirm that a patient’s personal space is not an appropriate forum. I am in full support of Councilmen Komives, Gadus, and Williams’ ordinance, and hope it brings patients as well as the staff the security they deserve.
If this ordinance passes, then why not pass ordinances that would restrict any speech/"protest" outside a facility where anyone may not like it? Clearly there are escorts to help women get into the clinic if they feel threatened. If there is such a threat, the clinic or client can call the police just like any other citizen. Cancel culture at its finest!
The obvious purpose of the proposed ordinance is to “protect” prospective clients of the abortion clinic from having to hear abortion-opposing speech on public streets and sidewalks. Protection against unwelcome speech cannot justify restrictions on the use of public streets and sidewalks. Public streets and sidewalks are traditional forums for speech on matters of public concern. This ordinance is clearly biased and unconstitutional.
All women deserve the right to safe access to healthcare. No one should have to deal with intimidation and harassment! Please protect these patients!
Abortion is healthcare. People doing the same things as the anti-choice protestors at any other healthcare facility would be thought to be no less than bizarre and horrific. This ordinance must pass. Stop letting small-minded, religious fanatics harass people because they don't agree with a choice being made that is ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS.
Every person should be free to seek legal, medical care without harassment, threats, and intimidation under the guise of prayer. I have seen protesters block entry to medical facilities, spew hateful and shameful words, and scream at patients seeking medical care. This behavior must stop.
I support this ordinance because it removes a barrier to access of legal healthcare for many individuals without limiting the rights of others.
Roe v Wade was decided when I was conceived. My older parents had many children, and my dad lost his job, so several people told them to abort. But they were surrounded with support, and they choose to welcome me. I have brought diapers, formula, and clothing to women who don't have support. My good friend, a successful pathologist, committed suicide because she regretted her two abortions chosen when she was scared and friendless. Women deserve to know that they have other options! Vote no!
Protect women from needless harassment. I find it laughable that some people read this ordinance as "making prayer illegal." So many lies and falsehoods in the comments on this item.
This ordinance is absolutely necessary to protect patients seeking essential care safe from the harassment and intimidation from anti-choice protestors, disguised as "free speech." No one deserves to be manipulated or forced into making medical decisions, and no one should feel unsafe or intimidated while seeking medical care. This type of behavior would not be tolerated at any other medical facility; abortion care should be no exception!
This is a clear violation of free speech under the cloak of women's safety. That clinic has had multiple violations prior that could directly involve women's health. Not one complaint about any sidewalk counselor causing any problems. Why would you not want a women to hear both sides of any issue, are you anti-women rights? this should be about more choice, not less. Please provide any details and reasoning as to why you would want to try and pass this ordinance.
Since there has been no record of illegal activities on the part of sidewalk councilors, it seems this ordinance intends to make prayer and sharing information illegal. As a teenage girl with friends who have been in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy, I can attest to the fact that women aren't given options once they enter a clinic. They are told that abortion is their only option, but that's not the case. There are many other resources, and women deserve to know them! Allow free speech!
This ordinance will serve to protect abortion patients from the harassment, vitriol, and intimidation of anti-choice protestors. No one should have to deal with harassment and feeling fearful or unsafe when accessing basic, essential healthcare. Accessing any other form of health care doesn't come with persistent outside harassment - abortion shouldn't either. Patients deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
I support the ordinance to reduce the harassment of patients seeking legal healthcare by unqualified, extremist “counselors”. Scare tactics of writing down license plates numbers, yelling at patients, blocking driveways have no part under the guise of “Free speech”. No other medical facility would permit this type of harassment to their clients. We all want to reduce the number of abortions. Let’s improve reproductive education in schools to reduce unwanted pregnancies.
With any other medical decision besides abortion, people are afforded a certain privacy and freedom from strangers trying to change their opinion while attempting to receive care. The fact women often require escorts should be evidence enough of the harassment that occurs. Religion should not be a free pass to harangue women when we would not allow that with essentially any other medical procedure.
This ordinance doesn't keep someone from protesting abortion, it is meant to allow the people who use the clinic the ability to enter and leave without being harassed. You can still hear someone talking to you at 8 feet. Some protesters go to far and keep badgering the person. It is not only rude but should bring a penalty as written in the ordinance.