One of several abortion-rights opponents named in a lawsuit brought by a Washington, D.C., school next to a Planned Parenthood clinic has accepted an injunction that limits his actions outside of the school, the Washington Post reports.
According to the Post, none of the other defendants have yet agreed to the injunction. The case is expected to go to trial next year (Heim, Washington Post, 7/27).
Background
In December 2015, Two Rivers Public Charter School filed a lawsuit against abortion-rights opponents over allegedly harassing students as part of a campaign to halt construction on the Planned Parenthood clinic. Planned Parenthood began construction on the site last summer (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/4). It is expected to open in September (Washington Post, 7/27).
In the complaint, filed with the D.C. Superior Court, school officials said abortion-rights opponents engaged in "extreme and outrageous conduct" by targeting their students with graphic antiabortion-rights messages and imagery. Two Rivers alleges that the protesters are a private nuisance and that they are intentionally causing emotional distress. According to the complaint, the protests have resulted in parents and students feeling fearful, and they have spurred teachers to keep the children indoors during recess.
The complaint states that continued protests could damage the school's reputation and its ability to attract and retain students. The lawsuit names five defendants identified as protesters, including Maryland resident Robert Weiler, Jr., who was previously imprisoned for planning to bomb an abortion clinic.
Two Rivers requested a court order prohibiting the protesters from speaking with the students or engaging them outside the school when students are arriving or leaving the premises. It also requested that protesters stop using graphic images and language.
In late April, D.C. Superior Court Jeanette Clark denied the defendants' motions to dismiss the suit (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/4).
Injunction details
According to the Post, Weiler has agreed to the terms of a permanent injunction that sets limits on what he may do near the school.
The injunction, which is pending Clark's approval, states that Weiler may not enter the school or impede access to it. Further, the injunction sets a boundary around the school that Weiler may not cross to protest during certain times of day. The injunction also states that Weiler may not use displays larger than 11 by 17 inches that depict graphic antiabortion-rights imagery or terminology.
Michael Murphy, an attorney for Two Rivers, said the injunction "creates a safe route for kids to come and go from school without having to dodge protesters" (Washington Post, 7/27).
