Anti-Choice Event Outside Planned Parenthood Set for March 29

The St. Paul City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a sound level variance for a prayer vigil that will be held on Good Friday outside of Planned Parenthood. The variance will allow Pro-Life Action Ministries to use speakers for music and announcements at the corner of Charles Ave. and Vandalia Street from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday, March 29.

Council President Mitra Jalali noted that patients will have access to the public right of way and no one will be allowed to harass patients or block clinic entrances. She said that approving the variance was the only legal option to protect the First Amendment rights of vigil attendees.

However, some cities have passed ordinances limiting the use of loudspeakers outside of abortion clinics in recent years. In 2019, Charlotte, North Carolina passed an ordinance banning amplified sound 150 feet from schools, churches, and medical facilities. In April 2023, the Sacramento City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of loudspeakers within 100 feet of an abortion clinic.

In addition, a written comment from a St. Paul resident notes that when considering sound level variance requests a city ordinance requires the council to “balance the hardship to the applicant against the adverse impact on the health, safety and welfare of the persons affected, the adverse impact on property affected, and any other adverse effects of granting the variance.”

Another commenter shared her experience volunteering as a clinic escort at Planned Parenthood and observing firsthand what she described as the “intimidation tactics" that Pro-Life Action Ministries uses.

In written comments, Pro-Life Action Ministries Program Director Brian Walker wrote that his organization has held Good Friday prayer vigils for years at this location, during which time they have cooperated with St. Paul Police and haven’t interfered with patients accessing the clinic.

He argued that the event is “not a protest” because the only sign the group carries is “a full size cross.” According to Walker’s LinkedIn profile his organization does “sidewalk counseling in front of abortion facilities.”