House Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, have introduced a bill to repeal the FACE Act, arguing that it has been used to unfairly prosecute peaceful pro-life activists. With support from 25 Republican cosponsors, the bill aims to prevent future misuse of the law by federal authorities.
The FACE Act, originally passed in 1994, was designed to prevent obstruction of abortion facilities. However, Republicans argue that it has been selectively enforced, with 97% of prosecutions over the past three decades targeting pro-lifers who were engaged in nonviolent demonstrations.
Roy pointed out that under President Joe Biden, the Department of Justice ramped up prosecutions against pro-life advocates, while largely ignoring attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and religious institutions. He said the repeal is necessary to protect free speech and religious freedom from further government overreach.
BREAKING 🚨🚨🚨
Rep Roy introduces new FACE Act repeal bill:
"Now that we have a Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and White House, Congress should move quickly to repeal this law and ensure that no future president can weaponize it against pro-lifers ever again." pic.twitter.com/MMArFpb7av
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) January 21, 2025
The Republican-controlled House and Senate are expected to move quickly on the repeal, with Sen. Mike Lee planning to introduce a similar bill in the Senate. Lee has argued that the law is no longer justified, especially after the Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not a constitutional right in the Dobbs decision.
GOOD !!!
“Republicans Led By Chip Roy Move To Repeal The Act Biden Used To Jail Peaceful Pro-Lifers”
“The fact is, FACE [Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act], we believe, was unconstitutional from day one. It was beyond Congress’s authority,” he said. “Since the… pic.twitter.com/blJfKmqP24— Jim Weed (@JimBobW49) January 21, 2025
Pro-life advocacy groups, including CatholicVote and Students for Life Action, have praised the repeal effort, saying the law has been used to silence those who oppose abortion. They have called on Congress to act swiftly to protect pro-lifers from further legal harassment.
Thank you @chiproytx for filing this bill. The FACE Act must be repealed after seeing Biden weaponize it against those who stood up against ab0rtion. Republicans have no excuse not to pass this bill. https://t.co/EyGt6APwc5
— Ghost 🐊 (@RushBaby1980) January 21, 2025
In addition to legislative efforts, conservative groups have urged President Donald Trump to issue pardons for those convicted under the FACE Act during Biden’s administration, arguing that they were unfairly prosecuted for their beliefs.
