Orange : Anti-Abortion Rally Site Is Scene of Vandalism

The slogan “Never Again” and a disassembled coat hangar--one of the symbols of those favoring choice in matters of abortion--was painted in red on the sidewalk in front of a Catholic church where anti-abortionists plan to stage a rally this week, Orange police said Sunday.

Orange Police Sgt. John Richard also said that a pile of manure was left in front of the rectory of the church, St. Norbert on Taft Avenue, sometime during the night. He said there are no suspects.

Operation Rescue, which has been staging demonstrations at family planning clinics in Southern California, plans to meet at the church Friday before another set of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday. The demonstrations are aimed at stopping abortions at the clinics.

Operation Rescue spokesmen could not be reached Sunday regarding the vandalism.

Barbara Martinez of the Pro-Choice Coalition in Orange County said she knows of no one in her organization who would have painted the slogans.

“Our goal, which is to preserve the right to choose, is not furthered by acts of vandalism,” Martinez said.