NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ORLANDO, Florida (CWNews.com) - The pro-life group Operation Rescue began planned protests in Orlando on Monday, holding demonstrations at an abortion clinic, a national bookstores chain that sells pornography, and Walt Disney World which will host a homosexual event at the resort this weekend.

      More than 100 advocates gathered outside the EPOC clinic, singing, praying, and chanting, in apparent violation of a court order banning singing, whistling, and chanting within earshot of the clinic. The injunction, obtained by the city of Orlando against Operation Rescue last week, also allows police to search backpacks and purses of anyone within 1,000 feet of a clinic and requires pro-life and pro-abortion protesters to keep at least 10 feet apart. While no one was arrested for violating the order, five people were arrested in a civil disobedience protest when they blocked the street next to the clinic.

      Pro-life advocates also attended a city council meeting on Monday to protest a plan to fly rainbow-colored flags around the city to commemorate June as Gay Pride month. The week of protests will include a demonstration at a Barnes & Nobles Booksellers store and then culminate with a protest at Walt Disney World which is the site of annual Gay Days celebration this weekend.