We write to express our concern regarding a proposed change to the City’s Disorderly Conduct Ordinance [Sec. 8-4-010(K)] restricting freedom of speech within 50 feet of health care facilities.

Catholics in Chicago, called by their faith to work for justice, are regularly engaged in constitutionally protected speech, education efforts, and prayer on a broad range of issues. For example, prayer and education efforts are held at the Broadview Immigration Processing and Detention Center on a monthly basis. The churches of Chicago continue to play an active and important role in opposing racism and gun violence. Individual priests and concerned laity have long been at the forefront of efforts to secure the rights of workers. Prayer and education activities by Catholics near facilities that perform abortion are part of those efforts.

We agree with the intent of the ordinance: no person should be subject to acts of violence. Unfortunately, the ordinance would, in many cases, criminalize peaceful activities such as silent prayer and distributing pregnancy assistance information on a public way. Further, some of the proposed ordinance’s language, such as criminalizing “interference,” is ambiguous. Is saying, “Here is some information on pregnancy assistance resources,” an “interference”? Should it be a crime in Chicago?

We are in agreement with the conclusion of the ACLU of Illinois’ recent statement against the proposed ordinance, entitled, “Please vote no on a speech restraint at health care facilities.” Like them, we believe that robust municipal enforcement of a ban on force, threats, or other criminal acts is sufficient to address the relevant concerns. As the ACLU statement explains, leafleting is “a time-honored and unobtrusive form of speech. Leafleting will often be impossible” under the proposed ordinance. Some women have abortions because they feel they do not have any other choice. They are being thrown out of the house by an abusive boyfriend or are unable to pay for food or utilities. But there are many financial and social resources available to help them.

For the above reasons we urge you to vote “no” on the proposed amendment to the City’s Disorderly Conduct Ordinance.

Very truly yours,