Advocates call for repeal of FACE Act over unequal enforcement concerns

(The Center Square) – After anti-ICE protests erupted in Minnesota, legal advocates are calling for reversal of the FACE Act, a law that levies penalties for interference at abortion clinics and houses of worship.

In 1994, Congress passed the Free Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE, Act which subjects individuals to penalties who attempt to intimidate, injure or interfere with access to reproductive health services, including abortion. The act also levies penalties against individuals who interfere with houses of worship.

Jeremy Dys, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, said the FACE Act has historically not been used to pursue incidents at houses of worship. However, an anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and several other incidents, have brought the law into special consideration.

On Jan. 18, a group of anti-ICE protestors disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, over ongoing anti-ICE activities in the state. Former CNN reporter Don L...