# Abortion-clinic picketers. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 6, 2011, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935 "2011-05-06T05:57:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 36
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/701 "2011-05-12T00:42:13Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > It is objectionable when _anybody_, in _any_ fashion, tries to dictate to me what I should or should not be doing to my body when it is none of their damned business. > > :rolleyes: OK, I guess “objectionable” is a pretty subjective standard. I object to _Jersey Shore_, but I don’t expect anyone to take any action as a result. So let’s just stick to the law, since that’s the spectre you invoked in the OP: > [@](#): > > Hey Abortion-clinic picketers, we get it that you don’t approve of abortions, but unfortunately for you it is perfectly legal for women to seek a termination… So invoking the same standard… what this video shows is perfectly legal conduct. True? ---
**Author:** ![heatmiserfl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/df705f/32.png) [@heatmiserfl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heatmiserfl)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/702 "2011-05-12T00:48:41Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Acoording to [this survey](http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/survey/Adoption_Attitudes_Survey.pdf), attitudes by those who have adoption experience were overwhleming positive. 69% of those with adoption experience called their experience “Very Favorable.” Of those without direct adoption experience, only 51% rated their opinion of adoption “Very Favorable.” > > 26% of those with adoption experience called their experience “Somewhat Favorable.” Of those without direct adoption experience, 40% rated their opinion of adoption “Somewhat Favorable.” > > So 95% of those with direct experience with adoption rated their experience either very, or somewhat, favorable. > > The raw survey results were weighted to census targets for age, race, gender, income, region, and number of telephone lines to ensure that the sample represented all Americans. The sampling and weighting methods are the same as those used for The Harris Poll. > > Given the sample sizes for this study, the margin of error for percentages near 50% is plus or minus 3 points for the entire sample. The margin of error for sub-groups varies depending on the size of the sub-group, but in no case exceeds 9%. > > Now, there’s a cite. Beyond your “private board,” do you have any actual data, as opposed to self-selected anecdotes? What does “those with direct experience with adoption mean?” I’m too lazy to go through the cite. There can be vastly different viewpoints on adoption. Three viewpoints: 1) mother giving away child, 2) adopted child and 3) adopting parents. A viewpoint from a young girl who got pregnant, was forced to have the child and then give it up for adoption will be very, very different from the adopting parents. I suspect most adopted kids are in good homes. However, what about kids who never get adopted? Just skimming through the cite, it looks like this concerns only general perceptions of adoption and direct experience of adopting parents. Not a particularly good cite to make a point in an abortion debate (unless you trying to say that more kids are getting adopted than in the past?). ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/703 "2011-05-12T01:13:25Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > So invoking the same standard… what this video shows is perfectly legal conduct. True? Something can be perfectly legal, and also rude, obnoxious, bothersome, scummy, in poor taste, crappy, disgusting, or underhanded. Or, if we go all the way back to page 1 and the OP, the people outside the clinic doing the filming can be “pretty threatening” to those trying to go in. While still being legal. And going back to the OP, I agree that their tactics are indeed a “piss-poor way of getting (their) righteous message across.” ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/704 "2011-05-12T01:17:36Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#): > > The video was not offered in demonstration of illegal activity, simply as a notable portion of a blog from escorts at one clinic, discussing the tactics of the protesters they face. > … > Because, as I noted, specifically, no one is keeping records of that sort of thing. It’s not within the purview of the staff inside the clinic, and it’s not why escorts are there. It appeared to be a response to the exchange you were having with **Bricker** about allegedly selective enforcement, which began, I believe, with your assertion that, > [@tumbleddown](#): > > …women have no protection from so-called “sidewalk counseling” despite the fact that in any other situation, many tactics could be prosecuted under basic state statutes against assault. I’d find it hard to believe that “sidewalk counselors” are _assaulting_ women on their way to clinics with any frequency, _and_ getting away with it because of visible police bias, and nobody on the other side (_our_ side, that is) has thought to try and document it. In fact, it turns out the National Abortion Federation _does_ track reported assaults around clinics ([PDF](http://www.prochoice.org/pubs_research/publications/downloads/about_abortion/stats_table2009.pdf)), as well as other incidents of violence and “disruptions”–including picketing. There have been a few assaults, and worse crimes, but the relative numbers make it hard to conclude that such violence is currently a _typical_ part of these affairs. I myself am firmly pro-choice. I’ve attended major pro-choice marches, and I accompanied a friend to a clinic (the one just a few blocks north of the White House, and this was _before_ FACE). I’ve found some anti-abortion demonstrators to be ignorant, hateful and verbally abusive. But I will defend their right to _say_ their piece. ---
**Author:** ![margin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@margin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/margin)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/705 "2011-05-12T01:40:15Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Perhaps not, but that statement shifts the debate. I asked for support of the claim that abortion protesters are legally permitted to engage in acts which in other, non-abortion protest contexts, would be criminal. > > Your statement simply says that the protesters create an ordeal that no one should have to go through to get health care. > > That’s not quite the same as criminal. > > In any event, I watched the video, which claims to take place at the worst location in the nation for abortion protests. So it seems to me that if criminal acts are taking place anywhere, it would be here. > > The video ran 6:04, but the walk ended at 2:44 (and started at 1:23). So the walk portion was one minute and twenty-one seconds. > > During that time, no one yelled, screamed, or physically blocked the progress of the woman. From the audio, she appears to have been followed by one woman, who speaks softly to her. This is the worst experience in the country: > > Good morning, my name’s Kelly. > > I want to talk to you this morning, please, before you go in and have this abortion. > > On the corner, just past the abortion clinic on the corner, is A Woman’s Choice and you can get a free ultrasound. > > We want to help you, whatever brings you in here for this abortion today, we want to help you. We have adoption counseling, financial counseling, free ultrasounds, whatever you need. We have free maternity homes with whatever you need. > > Ma’am, what you have in you is a son or a daughter. It was decided at conception whether you’re carrying a son or a daughter. > > (ANOTHER VOICE) Oh, watch the umbrella. (as the umbrella gets hung on on the awning) > > (ANOTHER VOICE) Free ultrasound. > > (ANOTHER VOICE) (inaudible) baby! > > I’m sorry, and I know I’m not unbiased here, but I cannot regard that video as showng any objectionable tactics whatsoever. > > Can you? Really? Is there anything you won’t defend or minimize as long as it’s on your disgusting side? What part of ‘nobody should have to go through that to get medical care’ did you miss? Because you’re just trying to fucking minimize it and it’s disgusting. One syllable of those busybodies lying at any woman is too much. You don’t have to go through it. Your opinion is a waste of the few seconds it took to read. And by trying to argue that it’s not illegal you’re one again splitting hairs. It’s not illegal? It’s still a shitty thing to do and just because you’re determined to defend conservative shit at every turn no matter what, you’re still defending people intruding into a woman’s sexual health. I thought even you had limits. Guess not. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/706 "2011-05-12T01:56:25Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > But I will defend their right to _say_ their piece. Absolutely. If the anti-abortionists want to have a rally, or spread their message through media channels, I too will defend their rights to say whatever they damnwell like. But standing outside a clinic harrassing and **filming** individual women/couples who are there to have a legal medical procedure? Nope. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/707 "2011-05-12T03:10:20Z")
> [@classyladyhp](#): > > I’ve never had an abortion and never will imbecile. snip It’s easy to say that if you’ve never been in the circumstances that may lead a woman to choose an abortion. There is nothing simple or easy about that sort of decision. You sound as if you think any woman who has an abortion deserves nothing but contempt. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/708 "2011-05-12T04:02:27Z")
> [@margin](#): > > Is there anything you won’t defend or minimize as long as it’s on your disgusting side? I think you give **Bricker** too much credit. He doesn’t post in this or any other abortion debate (or in debates in general) to express support for a “side”. His stated purpose is to “spoil” the expressed convictions of others if they offend his sensibilities in some way, either by being linked to a “leftist” political stance or merely being the product of deeply held beliefs (something for which **Bricker** has an extremely stunted capacity). Abortion debates like this very rarely change minds. What they _are_ good for is re-energizing one’s support for abortion rights; specifically, convincing me that it is worthwhile to continue to donate to Planned Parenthood on a regular basis. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/709 "2011-05-12T04:51:00Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > “Veritable gauntlet?” > > How much space do you estimate is between the two lines? I’m sorry, but no – that’s not a “gauntlet.” It’s not? How wide are the sidewalks where you live. How much space is left when there are people on either side you have pass between. It’s the last few feet where protestors line both sides of the sidewalk. That’s a gauntlet in my book. And that’s on a rainy day. > [@](#): > > No. You don’t have the right to walk down the street without people talking to you. As long as you’re free to disregard their speech and go about your business, you have no room to complain. It’s not a matter of what rights you have. It’s a matter of decency, and maybe a little human consideration. I probably have a legal right to stand outside a church and tell everyone going in they are gullible fools but I’d still be an inconsiderate asshole to my fellow humans. > [@](#): > > Who cares? What has that to do with the acceptability of their conduct? It’s the difference between true compassion for someone in a difficult situation, and pursuing your personal goals while feigning compassion. She told the woman she wanted to help her, didn’t she? > [@](#): > > Your opinion is wrong. That conduct is NOT disturbing the peace, legally speaking, and there’s not a jurisdiction n the country where this conduct would be finally found criminal. What is your opinion even based on? What are the legal elements of ‘disturbing the peace’ and how does that conduct meet them? Look at the definitions provided [here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disturbing_the_peace) and [disorderly conduct](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disorderly_conduct) These are both somewhat subjective and depends on the officers. We saw a few seconds of what I assume goes on all day. Purposely trying to discourage women from seeking the services of a legal clinic. I know the police are reluctant to interfere in a legal protest that also contains elements of religious freedom, but IMO, continuously harassing people , the patients of a specific clinic, could easily be disturbing the peace, even if the police don’t treat it as such. For me the very idea that women going through a difficult time would need an escort to go to a clinic because of harassment from protestors is offensive. It might be interesting for pro choice folks to organize protests outside churches and follow members as they entered telling them “we’re trying to help you, here’s a pamphlet about science,” and see how the church folks felt about it. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/710 "2011-05-12T04:58:08Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > What was your opinion on the protesters in Wisconsin? > > It seems to me they did far worse than what we saw on the video. Didn’t they? I didn’t see them. Is there a link I missed? Far worse doesn’t make what was in the video acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/711 "2011-05-12T06:22:16Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > So – can everyone now agree that the claim that abortion protesters have some license to perform acts that would be illegal if done by other protesters – that claim has no citation to support it? That wasn’t the claim. But sure, I’ll agree. Yay, you win a moot point. Do you feel good now? > [@](#): > > No, that’s inventing a definition to suit yourself. “Shout” means _to utter a loud cry; to utter in a loud voice_. A shout is defined as [a loud cry or call.](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shout?show=1&t=1305160030) Okay, what word would you prefer? Calling? Hollering? Heckling? I’m entirely positive that when someone is trying to be heard on a busy sidewalk over other people, traffic noises and the rain, they’re not speaking in a conversational tone, hence, they are in fact, being loud, or at least louder than the conversation that they’re trying to interrupt. But if it’s important to you to say that it’s not shouting, fine. Guess what? Federal law doesn’t require intimidation to happen at any particular volume to be illegal. > [@](#): > > When I walk down the street, I am in a public space. I may not like it; I accept that in a country with the First Amendment, I take that chance. That wasn’t the question. The question was: would you find being followed, questioned, badgered, harangued, hollered at, belittled, prayed at (or cursed at, depending on participant) while you were walking down the street, attempting to engage in perfectly legal and acceptable acts of your choosing to be **objectionable**? Would you really have _no_ objection to having a line of people on both sides of the sidewalk, all making their negative opinion of you and your choices known while you were just trying to go about your life? Do you think that’s a common view, or can you agree that the average person probably wouldn’t so much enjoy being treated that way? ---
**Author:** ![anya\_marie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@anya\_marie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anya_marie)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/712 "2011-05-12T06:38:55Z")
I am tired of giving a damn about the good opinions of classyladyhp, and others who are pushing their religious agenda on to other people’s lives. Pregnancy can be complicated or you can sail through, but nobody has the right to force it on you. I don’t know that i have ever been as obnoxiously pious as clhp, but I’ve been around the same type of person enough to know that they don’t give a damn about anybody else’s wants and needs and they always know better, and they are dead fucking wrong. If you are that religious that you don’t want access to modern medicine then go live in a cave with no electricity, no city water, phone or internet and fuck the fuck off and leave the rest of us alone. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/713 "2011-05-12T08:29:41Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > And clearly I should have included ‘within the law’ in my post about why choice is so clearly the correct solution. Unlike, stealing, euthanizing granny, and beating your wife, abortion is legal. Really, y’all couldn’t understand the difference? It’s got to be spelled out for you? Including that would have made no difference. In discussions about what the law should or should not be, stating what the law is or is not at present and using that as self fulfilling evidence of your preference is rather unhelpful. In fact it is quite dumbass. Not that people don’t attempt it all the time around here. Sure abortion is currently legal, but telling people it shouldn’t be made illegal because it is currently legal is stupid. There are good arguments, but this isn’t one of them. ---
**Author:** ![classyladyhp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b5ac83/32.png) [@classyladyhp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/classyladyhp)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/714 "2011-05-12T10:38:34Z")
> [@anya\_marie](#): > > I am tired of giving a damn about the good opinions of classyladyhp, and others who are pushing their religious agenda on to other people’s lives. Pregnancy can be complicated or you can sail through, but nobody has the right to force it on you. > > I don’t know that i have ever been as obnoxiously pious as clhp, but I’ve been around the same type of person enough to know that they don’t give a damn about anybody else’s wants and needs and they always know better, and they are dead fucking wrong. > > If you are that religious that you don’t want access to modern medicine then go live in a cave with no electricity, no city water, phone or internet and fuck the fuck off and leave the rest of us alone. It looks like you do give a damn though doesn’t it? Perhaps you should look deep within yourself and try to figure out the REAL underlying reason why my opinion that abortion is wrong bothers you so damn much:dubious: I have not once mentioned what religion I am. You’re crazy. How in the world do you jump to the conclusion that I don’t want access to modern medicine. I clearly don’t live in a cave. I have a tv, phone and obviously an internet connection. Oh and you do need electricity for tv anyamarie:smack::smack: ---
**Author:** ![classyladyhp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b5ac83/32.png) [@classyladyhp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/classyladyhp)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/715 "2011-05-12T10:40:59Z")
> [@vivalostwages](#): > > It’s easy to say that if you’ve never been in the circumstances that may lead a woman to choose an abortion. There is nothing simple or easy about that sort of decision. You sound as if you think any woman who has an abortion deserves nothing but contempt. I have been in that situation. Everyone thinks I don’t have any reason to believe what I believe but trust me. I speak from experience. I didn’t have an abortion and it was the best decison of my life. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/716 "2011-05-12T10:47:19Z")
> [@classyladyhp](#): > > I have been in that situation. Everyone thinks I don’t have any reason to believe what I believe but trust me. I speak from experience. I didn’t have an abortion and it was the best decison of my life. While I appreciate your strong opinion on the subject, I’m not sure why you feel like you need to impose your opinions into my life. Mind your own business. ---
**Author:** ![classyladyhp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b5ac83/32.png) [@classyladyhp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/classyladyhp)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/717 "2011-05-12T10:49:57Z")
> [@Ca3799](#): > > While I appreciate your strong opinion on the subject, I’m not sure why you feel like you need to impose your opinions into my life. Mind your own business. I don’t have to mind my own business. I have a right to my opinion and I can express it however many times I damn well feel like it. Who do you think YOU are that you can come on here and basically tell me to shut up:dubious: This is a PUBLIC message board not a PRIVATE board that you run. Start your own board and then you can censor any posts you feel like censoring ok sweetie? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/718 "2011-05-12T10:50:32Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > So – can everyone now agree that the claim that abortion protesters have some license to perform acts that would be illegal if done by other protesters – that claim has no citation to support it? > [@tumbledown](#): > > That wasn’t the claim. Sure it was: > [@tumbleddown](#): > > The limits of what protesters can and can’t do at reproductive health clinics is defined by [federal law](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FACE_Act) but the limits have been rules lawyered to the inch by protesters’ counsel to the point that clinics have protection from Operation Rescue/Lambs of God style sit-ins but women have no protection from so-called “sidewalk counseling” despite the fact that in any other situation, many tactics could be prosecuted under basic state statutes against assault. And after you posted that, I asked: > [@Bricker](#): > > Can you give a specific example of a tactic that would, in some other context, be violative of a state law against assault, but is permitted when done by abortion protesters? I hope you didn’t say “that wasn’t the claim” out of some misunderstanding of the word ‘license,’ which doesn’t mean a laminated dcoument but merely permission. So how can you say that wasn’t the claim? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/719 "2011-05-12T10:56:35Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > Look at the definitions provided [here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disturbing_the_peace) > and [disorderly conduct](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disorderly_conduct) > > These are both somewhat subjective and depends on the officers. We saw a few seconds of what I assume goes on all day. Purposely trying to discourage women from seeking the services of a legal clinic. > I know the police are reluctant to interfere in a legal protest that also contains elements of religious freedom, but IMO, continuously harassing people , the patients of a specific clinic, could easily be disturbing the peace, even if the police don’t treat it as such. Did you read your links completely? From your second link: > [@](#): > > The courts confronted with cases stemming from these arrests have from time to time had occasion to restrict the broad and vague definitions of the statute to make certain that freedom of speech and assembly and other forms of protected expression under the First Amendment were not affected. Did you read that? Did you include that statement in your analysis - did it inform your opinion that this conduct is legally “disturbing the peace?” ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935/720 "2011-05-12T11:02:25Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#): > > Guess what? Federal law doesn’t require intimidation to happen at any particular volume to be illegal. Since the activities depicited on the video would certainly pass muster under federal law (see 18 USC § 248) I will happily accept that standard of judgement. > [@](#): > > That wasn’t the question. The question was: would you find being followed, questioned, badgered, harangued, hollered at, belittled, prayed at (or cursed at, depending on participant) while you were walking down the street, attempting to engage in perfectly legal and acceptable acts of your choosing to be **objectionable**? > > Would you really have _no_ objection to having a line of people on both sides of the sidewalk, all making their negative opinion of you and your choices known while you were just trying to go about your life? Do you think that’s a common view, or can you agree that the average person probably wouldn’t so much enjoy being treated that way? Yes, I agreed above that ‘objectionable’ is a highly subjective standard. Somewhere, someone will find almost anything objectionable. So I’ll agree that the behavior is “objectionable.” I do not agree that this is a meaningful standard. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935.md?page=35) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-clinic-picketers/580935.md?page=37)