A federal judge on Monday banned pro-life activists from protesting within 25 feet of local abortion clinics a day before the group planned mass gatherings to block clinic entrances.
U.S. District Judge Myron Gordon's decision came at the same hearing in which he moved the lawsuit seeking the injunction from federal court back into Milwaukee County Circuit Court.He said he issued a temporary injunction despite that decision because he believed abortion opponents were attempting to stall a hearing on the matter until after the protests had begun. The injunction will stand until the case is heard in circuit court, he said.
The city and state's request for an injunction against the demonstrators, filed June 5, was moved into federal court Friday, the same day it was to be heard in Circuit Court. Pro-life activists requested the move, saying it was a federal issue involving free speech rights.
"The timing of the removal - a matter of hours before the state court was to hold a hearing - strongly suggests there was the motivation of delay and the court finds it was for an improper purpose," Gordon said.
Gordon barred the activists from demonstrating within 25 feet of clinic doorways, driveways, parking lots and entrances.
The Rev. Matthew Trewhella, who heads Missionaries of the Preborn, said the judge's decision wouldn't keep his group from beginning its planned protests Tuesday.
Trewhella said a group of about 100 pro-life activists prayed and read the Bible Monday morning to gear up for the protests. The group planned a rally Monday night.
Pro-choice activists said they were ready for the protests.