NEW YORK – A federal judge has denied a motion from New York Attorney General Letitia James seeking to hold members of the pro-life group Red Rose Rescue in contempt of court. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Karas ruled from the bench on March 10, rejecting the state’s claims that the group violated a court order.
The dispute stemmed from a December 2023 injunction prohibiting Red Rose Rescue members from coming within 15 feet of abortion clinics in parts of New York if their intent was to engage in conduct prohibited by the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The order did not restrict First Amendment-protected activities such as sidewalk counseling.
Attorney General James’ office filed the contempt motion in August 2024, arguing that a pro-life advocate allegedly affiliated with Red Rose Rescue had violated the buffer zone outside a Planned Parenthood in Manhattan. The Thomas More Society, representing Red Rose Rescue, countered the allegations with evidence, including bodycam footage, which they said disproved the claims.
Christopher Ferrara, Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society, welcomed the ruling. “We are very pleased with the Court’s thorough and well-reasoned opinion, denying Letitia James’ attempt to further silence our pro-life clients,” he said.
The ruling marks a legal victory for Red Rose Rescue, which has faced multiple legal challenges for its anti-abortion advocacy.