Life Site News
An abortion facility is petitioning the courts in Canada to block LifeSiteNews from identifying its abortionist and other staff members.
LifeSiteNews went to court this week to fight a publication ban on the trial of pro-life activist Mary Wagner. Wagner has been jailed since December after allegedly entering Toronto’s Bloor West Village Women’s Clinic in an effort to convince women to choose life for their babies.
On Thursday, Judge Rick Libman of the Ontario Court of Justice ruled against an interim publication ban, leaving LifeSiteNews free to publish details of the case, pending a full hearing on the publication ban June 9.
The Crown only filed its application for the ban days before Wagner’s trial, which was to begin May 25. It seeks to ban any information that could identify women seeking abortions or “civilian” witnesses — abortion center staff and the abortionist — at the trial.
The ban would cover all exhibits filed at trial, including surveillance video footage inside the abortion center the day Wagner was arrested, as well as the contents of the application for the publication ban.
The Crown’s application specifically singled out LifeSiteNews, which reports on Wagner more than any other news outlet.
The Crown only notified LifeSiteNews of the application on Tuesday, and provided no supporting evidence until Thursday morning, just before Wagner's trial was to begin.
LifeSiteNews then launched an 11th hour defence of Wagner’s right to an open trial and its own right to publish details of the abortion industry.
Toronto lawyer Phil Horgan appeared in court on behalf of LifeSiteNews to contest the publication ban, which he described as an “extraordinary proposition.”
On Thursday, Horgan requested an adjournment of the matter so LifeSiteNews could prepare a defence, but not a delay of Wagner’s trial.
Wagner, 42, has been in jail since her arrest December 12, 2016 because she refuses in conscience to accept bail conditions requiring her to stay away from abortion centers.
Life Site News continues
Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. To read our Mission Statement, use this link. Follow us on Facebook, Google, and Pinterest. Help us spread the pro-life message by sharing our articles on your favorite social networks.
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call or text 610-626-4006
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call or text 610-626-4006
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment