Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502160097
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
The bill, sponsored by Del. Clifton Woodrum, D-Roanoke, survived several attempts by abortion foes to add crippling amendments. The Senate approved one small amendment. If the House agrees to the change, the bill will go to the governor.
"I don't think [the amendment] does great damage to the bill. It's in good shape," Woodrum said.
Allen has not made up his mind about the bill, Allen spokesman Ken Stroupe said.
The bill would create a minimum penalty of a 30-day jail sentence and $2,000 fine for anyone convicted of blocking clinics more than once.
Sen. Mark Earley, R-Chesapeake, argued that the bill is unnecessary in light of a ruling this week by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upholds the 1994 federal clinic access law.
Earley said the federal statute should be sufficient. He also said the state bill isn't as narrowly drawn as the one upheld by the 4th Circuit and would trample on free speech rights.
But the bill's supporters say the 4th Circuit decision bolsters their case. They also say a state bill allows Virginia to prosecute offenders in state courts.
Sen. Janet Howell, D-Reston, said the Dec. 31 shooting of an abortion clinic in Norfolk has heightened fear of violent protests at clinics.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1995
by CNB