The abortion protestor rider attached to the Bankruptcy Reform bill is not only preventing much needed change, but it is also a blatant attempt to take away a person's First Amendment right of free speech. This provision would unfairly single-out pro-life activists and prevents them from using bankruptcy to avoid paying fines. There is a great need to reform our nation's bankruptcy laws; however, I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that has unconstitutional language in it.

The abortion protestor provision is an intrusion on the First Amendment. Supporters of this measure say this provision is necessary to ensure those who use violence to close clinics can't use bankruptcy as a shield. However, under current law, these violent protestors are already prohibited from discharging debts.

This language is aimed solely at non-violent protestors. The provision, as written, means those who participate in vigils, sit-ins, picketing and other nonviolent constitutional activities could be interpreted as federal offenders. It is simply wrong to intimidate someone planning to distribute adoption pamphlets outside a clinic by threatening to take their home.

I am working hard to get this abortion protestor provision removed from the Bankruptcy Reform Act.