Doctor Claims Priest’s Ok Of Killing A Threat

A federal judge heard arguments Monday on whether he should ban a Roman Catholic priest from publicly advocating the killing of abortion providers.

Dr. Bruce Lucero, who performs abortions, contends the Rev. David Trosch of Mobile violated a 1994 federal law meant to guarantee access to abortion clinics.

Lucero sued Trosch in February, seeking unspecified damages and a court order protecting his clinic, New Woman All Women Health Care, from protesters.

U.S. District Judge Robert Propst said he was worried about infringing on the free-speech rights of abortion opponents.

Trosch has been suspended from official church duties for calling antiabortion bloodshed justifiable in TV appearances and news stories.