New York attorney general Letitia James's office deployed hidden cameras and undercover operatives against a pro-life Brooklyn pastor and his flock, but the year-long legal campaign hit a snag Thursday when a federal appeals court unanimously affirmed the protesters' right to gather.
James and her two Democratic predecessors have pursued various harassment charges against Rev. Kenneth Griepp and worshippers of his Brooklyn church since 2017, going so far as to pay for and install hidden security cameras at a local abortion clinic. The impressive array of taxpayer-funded surveillance equipment, however, did not impress jurists at the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court unanimously affirmed a district court decision to dismiss James's bid for a preliminary injunction against the protesters because she "failed to establish a likelihood of success on the merits as to most claims."
"It may be particularly appropriate to reconsider whether there were violations," the appellate court added.
Griepp, senior pastor of Church at the Rock, said the state's lawsuit made organizing efforts more difficult because churchgoers were afraid legal action could be taken against them. Griepp said he still takes joy in counseling women outside of the abortion clinic because he knows he’s following his calling.
read more here: https://freebeacon.com/courts/new-york-ag-snooped-on-pro-life-activists/
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