Description
Protestors at Planned Parenthood today have a huge German Shepherd dog with them. I saw them approach a car that was turning into a parking lot with the dog. I am harassed every time I walk down Edwards St., and now I am not only harassed but afraid to walk down that side of the street because they have a big dog with them. I wouldn't be surprised if the people that work there are afraid to go to work, with their personal property being approached by the protestors and their dog.
I don't wish to debate their right to protest or the abortion issue. However, I think their tactics cross the line between protesting and harassment.
10 Comments
Devo-freedom of (Guest)
Actually,once while they were on State St and once here,both times the zealous abortionist was family of the State street landlord, and patrons of possibly other tenants were harangued - I'm not saying that you were not intimidated or others were not. I do think that parade with the cross and the two cop entourage is a bit much
Brian (Registered User)
If at any time you feel you are being prevented from accessing the Clinic or the area surrounding it, or if you feel you are being harassed, please call the Police non-emergency number (203) 946-6316 and report what has happened. They will send an officer to speak with you and get details of what has happened and also to the protesters.
Photographic evidence is also important- if you can take photos of or videos of any behavior that violates the ordinances and laws listed below please do so.
It is important to report what happens immediately and consistently so that at no time is anyone prevented from accessing the clinic.
There is another ticket open dealing with this issue:
#41255
Please note the following which are violations of City Ordinances and Federal laws:
1. Protesters standing in the street entrances (on Edwards or Lawrence) to Planned Parenthood. Such actions violate the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (18 U.S.C., Sect. 248.)
2. The placing of placards, banners, crosses, and other such paraphernalia onto private property (the grassy areas) and/or the sidewalk thereby blocking the right of way for pedestrians. New Haven Ordinance Sec. 27-44.
3. The intimidation and/or harassment (verbal or physical) of people entering or leaving Planned Parenthood. 18 U.S.C., Sect. 248.
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Bob Abooey (Registered User)
Kate (Guest)
Thank you Brian for your very helpful post. I didn't see the other ticket; if they can be combined please let me know how.
To me, it's intimidation and harassment when someone says "you're killing your baby, you're killing your baby" over and over to me when I walk down the street. When I reply that I'm not pregnant and ask them not to speak to me, they say "oh, you must have had an abortion." I don't think men can understand how painful it is for anyone to tell you "you're killing your baby." I have never been pregnant, have never had an abortion (spontaneous or otherwise), and yet this is physically extremely painful for me. It feels emotionally abusive. I cross the street now to avoid them. But what policeman can do about someone saying "you're killing your baby"?
Bob, no, the dog was not acting aggressively, and I didn't say she/he was. Nonetheless, the presence of a 100 lb dog is intimidating. And, they are approaching cars going into the parking lot with the dog.
New Haven (Guest)
oldpunk (Guest)
Jaime Myers-Mcphail (Registered User)
tagan (Guest)
Joe Pisano (Guest)
If there was any real harassment I am sure it would be reported to the police by now. What these people are doing is perfectly legal.
Closed City of New Haven (Registered User)