Biden Admin's Bid to Incarcerate Peaceful Pro-Life Protester Denied by Judge

In a notable rebuff to the Biden administration, a federal judge in Nashville decided against imprisoning Paul Vaughn, a pro-life father of 11, for his involvement in a peaceful protest at a Tennessee abortion clinic in March 2021. The administration had sought a year-long prison sentence, but U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger opted for leniency, sentencing Vaughn to three years of supervised release without prison time or fines.

Vaughn was convicted under the FACE Act and for participating in a conspiracy against rights. The Biden Justice Department charged Vaughn and 10 other pro-life advocates following a sit-in at the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet. The FACE Act, a Clinton-era law, has been employed against pro-lifers protesting outside abortion facilities.

• Vaughn defended his actions, stating, “The reason I am engaged in activities is because I care for my country.” He emphasized his peaceful approach and questioned the necessity of the FBI's armed raid on his home, which traumatized his children.

• Judge Trauger acknowledged the peaceful nature of Vaughn’s protest, noting that no one was hurt, though she accused him and his fellow protesters of imposing their religious beliefs on others.

• Vaughn faces significant restrictions, including a prohibition on being within 100 feet of an abortion facility and limitations on his travel. As a felon, he loses the right to vote or own firearms.

Supporters of Vaughn cheered the judge’s decision, reflecting the relief and gratitude among the pro-life community. His legal representative, Steve Crampton of the Thomas More Society, argued that the charges were unprecedented and highlighted the peaceful context of the protest. The society plans to appeal Vaughn’s conviction.

During the sentencing, a Carafem representative claimed that employees feared for their lives during the sit-in, labeling it an “attempt at terror” and urging the judge to issue a strong deterrent signal. Despite these claims, the judge’s decision favored a non-custodial sentence, taking into account Vaughn’s military service and character testimonials from his community.

Before the sentencing, over 100 pro-life supporters gathered outside the federal courtroom, praying and singing hymns. Their presence underscored the strong community support for Vaughn and opposition to the heavy-handed prosecution of peaceful protestors.

Vaughn's case highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-life advocates and the Biden administration, particularly concerning the use of federal power to suppress peaceful protests. As additional co-defendants, including Dennis Greene and Coleman Boyd, await their sentencing, the pro-life community remains vigilant and supportive.

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