NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      AUSTIN, Texas (CWNews.com) - The Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday that buffer zones around abortion clinics to keep pro-life protesters away is an unconstitutional burden on the freedom of speech.

      The court decided 6-3 to eliminate buffer zones around five clinics and modified four others to allow up to two pro-life counselors to approach women within the zones. They also eliminated a buffer zone around the home of an abortionist, but allowed buffers around four others to remain intact without change. "We conclude that portions of the injunction infringe upon (protesters') freedom of expression," Justice Nathan Hecht wrote for the majority. "This is a free speech case, not an abortion picketing one."

      The case stemmed from the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston where pro-life groups announced plans to demonstrate at clinics and the homes of abortionists. Planned Parenthood joined the clinics and five abortionists in obtaining a temporary court order, which later became permanent, banning demonstrations within 100 feet of the clinics.