According to a press release from the World Congress of Families Managing Director Larry Jacobs, his organization is deeply troubled by news that FBI agents who are members of the Joint Domestic Terrorism Task Force have asked to "question" Chris Slattery, head of Expectant Mother Care (EMC). The group, which now operates mostly in the New York-area, is preparing for a 10-state expansion.
The meeting was re-scheduled after Slattery said he wanted his attorney, Jay Sekulow of American Center for Law and Justice, to be present. Slattery disclosed that an agent had asked to meet with him monthly to develop a "mutually beneficial relationship".
Slattery joked: "In other words, if I don't meet with them, it will not be beneficial to me."
Jacobs noted: "Some in the pro-life community believe this 'intelligence gathering' operation is intended to stigmatize pro-lifers and justify future actions to disrupt their peaceful, pro-life activities. This comes on the heels of revelations that the IRS deliberately targeted more than 300 conservative and Tea Party groups that promoted American ideals of family, faith, and freedom for all. Before it would confer 501(c)3 status, the IRS asked the leaders of one pro-life group to sign a pledge that it would never picket a Planned Parenthood clinic."
Jacobs asked: "Who's next? Will the administration begin 'investigating' all non-profit groups that follow Judeo-Christian values or that are opposed to abortion and redefining marriage for other logical and scientific reasons? Will they start questioning churches and synagogues about their outreach to help pregnant women and children in their communities. This seems to be part of a far-reaching scheme to intimidate and harass proponents of the natural family and the sanctity of human life."
As long ago as 2009, the Department of Homeland Security issued a report naming pro-life groups as a potential source of domestic terrorism. When it was made public, DHS was so embarrassed by the report that it was eventually withdrawn.
Later, DHS and FBI agents attended a seminar on "pro-life terrorism" run by Planned Parenthood, the National Abortion Federation and the Feminist Majority Foundation.
Jacobs: "Anti-family forces often employ calumny, harassment and intimidation to silence their opponents. It's tragic that this administration apparently has made the FBI - usually a pillar of law enforcement - part of this anti-speech conspiracy. The situation bears close scrutiny."
Partners and pro-family groups in more than 80 countries currently work with the World Congress of Families in its vital work of defending the natural family and the sanctity of human life.
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