"Rev. Hoye is an African-American pastor who feels a special calling to work for the end of the genocide-by-abortion taking place in the African-American community. As part of his efforts, he stands in front of an abortion clinic in Oakland with leaflets offering abortion alternatives and a sign reading, “Jesus loves you and your baby. Let us help.” In response, the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance making it a crime to approach persons entering abortion clinics to offer alternatives to abortion. Approaching women to encourage them to enter the clinic is permitted, according to City policy." --Life Legal Defense Fund.
Today, about 70 supporters stood in solidarity with Oakland Reverend Walter Hoye, as he was "resentenced" under Oakland's "Bubble Ordinance." The resentencing took place at the Alameda County Superior Court, in the courtroom of Judge Stuart Hing.
The courtroom admitted 46 spectators: 35 who were there in support of Walter, and 11 supporters of the culture of death. As usual, Walter was the calmest man in the place.
The "resentencing" hearing turned out to be the "old sentencing" hearing after a month's delay, because Walter received the exact same sentence:
• 30 days to be served in jail or as community service;
• a fine of $1,132;
• a stay-away order from the notorious Family Planning Specialists Medical Group at Second and Webster streets.
Since this exactly what Judge Hing gave Walter on February 19, what was the point of waiting another month to do the same thing? As a matter of principle Walter refused to accept the sentence at the first hearing, but apparently the judge thought that given some time to "reflect," Walter would abandon his principles.
Well, Walter did not let Judge Hing or the author's of Oakland's "Bubble Ordinance" off the hook.
Today, Walter refused community service and chose instead to serve 30 days in jail--I believe as a protest against the manifest injustice of the law. He will not ask for special or compromised treatment under an unjust law: to do so would validate the law and make him complicit in the injustice.
Today, Walter refused to pay the fine. The fine is unjust: he will not pay it. His attorney pointed out that the fine may be paid (presumably by Walter's friends) but that Walter will not be paying it.
And 30 days from today, I believe Walter will be right back doing what got him arrested in the first place. Here is his "crime":
"As women approached the door, he asked them, 'May I talk to you about alternatives to the clinic?'"--San Francisco Chronicle, March 20, 2009.
_____________________________________________
The hearing was over. Walter calmly left the courtroom with the baliffs, who showed him the utmost respect, with his head held high, to begin serving his 30 days in the county jail.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
My prayers go out to Pastor Walter Hoye. This is a very sad day. This man was innocent, defending the unborn and now he is put in jail? No justice.
Good fruit will come from this. I hope many pro lifers will take on this clinic in Oakland and go there to pray. Misfortune will strike this place of death. God will not be mocked.
God Bless Walter Hoye!
Post a Comment