Here’s Who Is Already Lobbying Trump for Pardons

A formal request for presidential pardons has been submitted to President-elect Donald Trump, seeking clemency for 21 pro-life activists convicted under the Biden administration.

At a Glance

  • Thomas More Society attorneys have requested pardons for 21 pro-life advocates
  • The activists were prosecuted under the FACE Act and “Conspiracy Against Rights” statute
  • The group includes grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest
  • Trump previously indicated his intent to review and potentially pardon these activists
  • Critics argue the Biden administration selectively enforced laws against pro-life demonstrators

Legal Battle Over Pro-Life Activism

The Thomas More Society, a conservative law firm, has formally petitioned President-elect Donald Trump to grant “full and unconditional pardons” to 21 pro-life activists convicted during the Biden administration. These individuals, targeted for high-profile protests at abortion service facilities, face a complex legal and moral landscape that has reignited debates about the limits of lawful protest and government response.

The attorneys argue that these activists were unjustly prosecuted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and the “Conspiracy Against Rights” statute. Steve Crampton, Thomas More Society Senior Counsel, emphasized the need to address what they perceive as an abuse of power by the current administration.

“With these requests for presidential pardons for 21 peaceful pro-life advocates, we urge President Trump to right the grievous wrongs of the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Department of Justice,” Steve Crampton said.

Diverse Group of Activists Seek Clemency

The group of convicted activists represents a diverse cross-section of pro-life advocates, including grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest. Their cases have garnered attention not only for the nature of their protests but also for the severity of the sentences some have received.

“These peaceful pro-life Americans mistreated by [President Joe] Biden include grandparents, pastors, a Holocaust survivor, and a Catholic priest — all are selfless, sincere patriots,” the Thomas More Society stated.

Lauren Handy received the longest sentence of four years and nine months, while Bevelyn Beatty Williams was sentenced to three years and five months for their involvement in protests. Several elderly activists also received multi-year sentences, prompting questions about the proportionality of the punishments.

The petition for pardons comes amid accusations of selective law enforcement by the Biden administration. Critics argue that while over 30 pro-life demonstrators were charged under the FACE Act, only two cases involving attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers were pursued. This disparity has led to claims of viewpoint discrimination and First Amendment violations.

The attorneys also point out that over 90 pro-life centers have been targeted, with only three prosecutions by the Justice Department, further fueling allegations of biased enforcement.

Political Implications and Future Actions

President-elect Trump has previously signaled his intent to review and potentially pardon pro-life advocates prosecuted during the Biden administration. This move could have significant political implications, especially given the contentious nature of the abortion debate in America.

“We are hopeful that the second Trump administration will spell a new day for pro-life advocates who have faced FBI raids, federal prosecutions, and severe punishment for peacefully and courageously witnessing for life,” Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and Head of Litigation, stated.

As the nation awaits Trump’s decision on these pardon requests, the situation continues to highlight the unresolved tensions in America over reproductive rights and the interpretation of protest actions within the legal system.

Trump has a lot to do when he arrives back in the White House!