Criticism Against Tennessee Right to Life

March 9, 2003: Tennessee Right to Life was harshly criticized this week for declining to support a proposed anti-abortion event at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In an apparent attempt to draw public attention and funding for his forum, anti-abortion activist Neil Horsely is distributing misleading communications containing false information. Horsely is also disseminating particularly objectionable quotes which are wrongly attributed to TRL president Brian Harris.

Contrary to assertions that he urged the cancellation of Horsley's proposed event at UT, Harris has never spoken or communicated with anti-abortion activist Neil Horsely, UT student Chris Lewis or any administrator or official from the University of Tennessee regarding the event. It appears that Tennessee Right to Life has engendered Mr. Horsley's ire as a result of declining to fund, support or endorse the proposed event. Tennessee Right to Life maintains that such decisions remain the prerogative of the organization and its leadership.

The basis for declining funding or support was made after viewing Mr. Horsley's websites www.christiangallery.com and www.resistanceradio.net. TRL also researched the case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court involving Mr. Horsley. The suit originates as a result of internet tactics including the posting of "Wanted" lists containing the addresses, license plates and names of abortionists and their children. Upon the murder of three abortionists, their names were crossed off like items on a grocery list.

These are not the strategies or philosophies employed or embraced by Tennessee Right to Life and its 34 affiliated chapters. TRL continues to believe that public education, the passage and defense of protective policies, benevolent outreach and grassroots development are effective in changing hearts and minds and in saving lives. TRL is committed to restoring protections through persistence and persuasion, not intimidation and fear.

For more information contact Tennessee Right to Life by email info@tnrtl.org.