Pro-life Christian dad of 11 escapes prison sentence for protesting abortion: ‘Spiritual battle’
July 4, 2024
A pro-life Christian father of 11 children avoided prison time this week during his sentencing on federal charges of blocking abortion clinic entrances and conspiracy against rights in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Christian Post reports that Paul Vaughn was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his conviction in January of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger.
Vaughn was among 11 individuals indicted in 2022 for blocking the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. He was arrested during an early morning FBI raid on his home in October of 2022.
According to the Daily Wire, Judge Trauger accused Vaughn and other defendants of “imposing their religious beliefs on other people” but also conceded that the protest was non-violent and hurt no one.
In a statement following his sentencing, Vaughn said: “We rejoice in God’s plans. Because this is at the heart a spiritual battle, we are thankful to have a strong advocate in the Thomas More Society. Not only are they experts at law, but they deeply understand the spiritual battle raging across our land.”
The Christian Post reports that Thomas More Society senior counsel Steve Crampton also noted the irony that Vaughn’s hearing took place on July 2, the day the Continental Congress formally passed the resolution in 1776 declaring America’s freedom.
Photo: top, Credit: Thomas More Society