DOJ sues protesters accused of interfering with Jewish event at synagogue

[Mosby]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP)

Justice Department officials filed a civil complaint Monday against protesters and advocacy organizations who they allege threatened and intimidated Jewish worshipers outside a synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, in November.

The lawsuit was brought under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or Face Act, which has historically been used to charge people who block access to abortion clinics.

Harmeet K. Dhillon, the head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, criticized the Biden administration’s use of the federal law and said she was invoking a provision that prevents people from using force or intimidation to interfere with a person’s right to worship.

The civil suit Monday marks the first time that the Justice Department has used the Face Act against people accused of blocking access to places of worship, according to Dhillon.

Washington Post