Title: Pro-Life Demonstrators Harassed at Gore and Clinton

Source: Albany (NY) Times Union

Date: Oct. 30, 2000

Spokane, WA -- Pro-abortion Vice President Al Gore spoke Monday, October 23rd at a rally in Spokane at the Martin Center located at Gonzaga University. Catholics in Spokane were angry that a major Catholic university would invite a pro-abortion presidential candiddate to speak on the campus of a private Catholic college. About two dozen Catholic demonstrators turned out prior to Al Gores arrival to voice their opposition. Instead of the usual safety precautions used by the Secret Service to provide security for presidential candidates the pro-life Catholics were horrified by the extreme measures imposed exclusively on their group. Every Catholic pro-life demonstrator with signs proclaiming "Catholics are Pro-Life" were removed from the close proximity of the Martin Center and relocated one hundred yards away, in nothing other than a portable animal corral. "We were herded like cows into this four foot high pen" said Erin Galle spokesperson for the Catholic group. "However the demonstrators for Ralph Nader were never ever asked to get behind any fence. Only the Catholic pro-lifers and those Catholics who were for Bush were penned up." A few priests and students refused to enter the make shift pen and assembled elsewhere on the campus to pray. The Secret Service followed and demanded that they stop praying and disperse or they would be arrested. They refused and continued to pray. The Secret Service agents with the Gore campaign continued to demand the small group to stop praying and each time they refused. A Gonzaga University official intervened on their behalf and no other incidents were reported. Randy Cloke, before entering the corral, approached a Secret Service Agent to ask a question. Rudely, the agent referred to Cloke as one of "those people" when Cloke objected to the term and one of the agents told him to "shut up" and get in with the others. Indigent, Cloke once again objected to the agents demeanor. The agent then offered the option of arrest if Cloke did not "shut up and comply." Mrs. Galle, a mother of six, questioned the need for such extreme measures during a peaceful and prayerful demonstration. "Who and what are we dealing with? We didnt have a chance to show support or protest on behalf of our position. Once they put us in the corral they put two uniformed police officers to guard us and keep us from leaving through an open side... What kind of leader would suppress the voice of honest, peaceful demonstrators?" Gonzaga University spokesman Dale Goodwin intervened on behalf of the pro-life Catholics shortly after 4:00 p.m. He asked the Secret Service to release those persons being confined and allow them to protest. However, the agent in charge refused by explaining "the plan" was set by the Gore advance team the Friday before Gores arrival and they had no intention of changing it. When asked to explain the Universitys position on the Gore visit, Goodwin stated "That as a Catholic University we uphold Catholic values and adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church. We certainly dont endorse those positions and views of candidates opposed to church teachings.."He added "it was quite unfortunate the demonstrators were handled in such an improper manner. This was not the policy of Gonzaga University." Galle echoed the sentiments of several Catholics present when she said "If they can do this to us and get away with it what group will be next." Meanwhile, a small group of pro-life advocates were escorted from a Hispanic church Sunday after appearance at a campaign speech given by pro-abortion new York Senate candidate Hillary Clinton. A handful of people prayed -- in English and Spanish -- and sang "We Shall Overcome'' while Clinton spoke of her advocacy for health care and families. A protester also interrupted Sen. Charles Schumer, who introduced Clinton to about 100 parishioners, by shouting, "No politics in church!'' The protesters were escorted by police from St. Michael's, a Roman Catholic church, where a larger group holding pro-life signs stood across the street. Clinton did not acknowledge the pro-life advocates and it was not immediately known whether they faced charges as a result of their demonstrations. One woman who left the church before the incidents happened said Clinton's pro-abortion stand could affect her vote. "I'm a Democrat, but I'm also Catholic,'' said Carol Crossed, who watched Clinton from the back of the church while holding her 18-month-old grandson, Will, in her arms. "I just question what she's doing here. I don't know if Lazio's any better, but I think that this is bordering on partisan politics.'' Crossed is a long-time pro-life advocate in the Rochester, NY area and has served as the director of the Seamless Garment Network.