Police get training to protect abortion providers

[PeaceNikki]

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-c-2009-11-03...

More than 80 law enforcement officials, reproductive health care providers and advocates from across New York last Wednesday held a conference at state police headquarters to discuss how to better protect reproductive health care workers from anti-abortion terrorism.

On the same day, Gov. David A. Paterson signed bill A.8924/S.6112 into law that establishes the crime of aggravated interference with health care services in the first and second degrees. Sponsored by Sen. Kevin Parker, D-Brooklyn, and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, the law calls for new felony classifications to further penalize someone who causes physical injury to any reproductive health care provider.

....

Last Wednesday's event was organized in direct response to Tiller's death.

"The most recent shooting of Dr. Tiller is a case example and what we can do to better ensure our state is safe," said Murphy. "The tactical component is looking at history of threats of terrorism related to the health care centers and trying to better equip ourselves to working collaboratively with law enforcement."

Roeder was associated with the Sovereign Citizen Movement, according to Murphy. The movement is a loosely organized collection of groups and individuals who have adopted a right wing, anarchist ideology. Their belief is virtually all government in the United States is illegitimate and seeks to restore an idealized government that never existed, according to Murphy. They discourage folks from participating in the government, and some people involved with this movement may also be involved with violent protesting.

More at link.

I, for one, am glad that this is being treated as the domestic terrorism that it is.

[Heidi]

1. Recommended.

[niyad]

2. k and r