Congressman Chip Roy is fighting back against what he calls the Biden administration’s weaponization of federal law against pro-life Americans. The Texas Republican is leading the charge to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, claiming it violates constitutional principles and unfairly targets conservatives.
At a glance:
• Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) has introduced legislation to repeal the FACE Act, with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) leading companion legislation in the Senate
• The FACE Act, passed in 1994, prohibits force or obstruction against those seeking reproductive health services or practicing religion
• Roy claims 97% of FACE Act prosecutions from 1994-2024 targeted pro-life Americans
• Despite numerous attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and churches since the Dobbs decision leak, no arrests have been made under the FACE Act for these incidents
• President Donald Trump recently pardoned 23 pro-lifers who were prosecuted under the FACE Act
Biden’s DOJ Accused of Weaponizing FACE Act Against Pro-Life Americans
Republicans are rallying behind Congressman Chip Roy’s push to repeal what they view as a law being abused by the Biden administration to silence conservative voices. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act was originally designed to protect access to abortion facilities and religious services, but critics say it’s being selectively enforced against pro-life advocates.
The American people are sick of weaponized justice.
They’ve spoken – Rep. Roy is committed to ending the Biden era of going after pro-lifers once and for all👇#RepealFACE https://t.co/slWTrV1vS4
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) December 19, 2024
Roy’s office obtained data showing that a staggering 97% of all FACE Act prosecutions since its 1994 implementation have targeted pro-life Americans. The Texas representative claims this demonstrates clear political bias in how the law is being applied under the current administration.
Pro-Life Groups Rally Behind Repeal Effort
“Free Americans should never live in fear of their government targeting them because of their beliefs,” Representative Roy stated in a press release. “Yet, Biden’s Department of Justice has brazenly weaponized the FACE Act against normal, everyday Americans across the political spectrum, simply because they are pro-life.”
The legislation has garnered support from numerous conservative organizations, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Family Research Council, and Students for Life Action. It has also attracted several Republican co-sponsors, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Dan Crenshaw, and Harriet Hageman.
Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life Action, called for the repeal because she says the act “was created to be a weapon for the Department of Justice to use against those who peacefully protest against the human rights abuse of our day – abortion.” She highlighted what she sees as blatant hypocrisy in enforcement, noting that “pro-life peaceful protestors have gone to prison even as Pregnancy Care Centers burned.”
.@HouseGOP should repeal the FACE Act and STOP Biden's DOJ crusade against pro-life Americans
Rep. Roy has the bill to do it (HR 5577)⬇️https://t.co/fb4hwBhVbs
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) April 4, 2024
Roy Prepared to Force Congressional Action
Not content to let his legislation languish in committee, Roy has announced he’s prepared to take extraordinary measures to advance the bill. “If my Republican colleagues continue to refuse to bring the FACE Act up for a vote in committee or the floor, I will file a discharge petition, and I will start to try to move the bill, irrespective of the normal procedures,” Roy declared.
The push to repeal the FACE Act gained momentum after President Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists who had been prosecuted under the law. Roy praised Trump’s action while emphasizing that a permanent legislative solution is needed to prevent future administrations from again wielding the law against conservatives.
Senator Mike Lee, who is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, argues that the FACE Act represents federal overreach into state authority. “The Constitution reserves general police power to the states, which Congress infringed upon when it passed the FACE Act,” Lee stated in support of the repeal effort.
With Republicans now controlling the House, Senate, and White House, Roy believes the time is right to eliminate what he sees as a tool for political persecution. “No more excuses,” Roy insisted, “let’s get it done.”
