Abortion-Rights Backers Rough Up Pastor Near Clinic

Abortion-rights advocates punched and shoved a pastor opposed to abortion Saturday as activists from both sides of the issue staged protests outside a clinic.

Police interceded once but made no arrests as the Rev. Paul Schenck was roughed up.

The incidents occurred as activists pro and con prepared to make Buffalo the focus of large demonstrations over abortion rights.

Schenck, 33, was set upon twice as he knelt to pray before some 150 abortion-rights activists forming a protective ring at Buffalo Gyn Womenservices.

About a dozen women and men punched and shoved Schenck, pushing him across the street.

Police on the scene stepped in, but took no other action.

In the second incident, about 20 people approached Schenck, this time as he knelt at a yellow line marking the 15-foot perimeter a judge imposed in February to keep anyone from blocking clinic traffic.

The protesters knocked a Bible from Schenck’s hands and dropped cigarette ashes on his head.

Schenck said he was unhurt and did not press charges.

Elsewhere, Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder on Saturday vetoed a bill that would have required minors to notify their parents before getting an abortion.