The pro-choice activist group leading protests outside the homes of Supreme Court justices vowed not to stop its “civil disobedience” despite laws prohibiting such gatherings, reports the Washington Times. A spokesperson from the organization Ruth Sent Us said, “Some of these laws are clearly unconstitutional, which would explain why they are not enforced ... Breaking such laws would be victimless crimes, so they are perfect candidates for civil disobedience. We are committed to peaceful actions, but we will certainly not respect laws that stifle our First Amendment rights.”
The spokesperson asked to remain anonymous, citing fear of retaliation from conservatives. “We were swamped with death and rape threats from ‘good’ Christians,” the spokesperson said. Attorney General Merrick Garland met with Supreme Court officials over security concerns. “The rise of violence and unlawful threats of violence directed at those who serve the public is unacceptable and dangerous to our democracy,” Garland said, adding, "The Justice Department will not tolerate violence or threats of violence against judges or any other public servants at work, home, or any other location.” Justices have been a target of protests since a leaked draft indicated that a majority of justices were poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. A Virginia law makes it a misdemeanor to protest outside of residences. Federal law bans protests aimed at obstructing justice. At least three justices reside in Virginia. Pro-choice protesters have appeared outside the houses of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito.
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