U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said Thursday he was “deeply concerned” about a subpoena served against Eagle Forum of Alabama.
“I am deeply concerned with the news that President Biden’s Department of Justice has subpoenaed Eagle Forum of Alabama, a nonprofit organization, to turn over its communications related to the development of legislative text,” said Aderholt (R-Haleyville).
Noting that the right of the American citizenry to petition government was protected by the First Amendment, the congressman asserted the subpoena was “a blatant attempt to intimidate citizens” from partaking in political advocacy.
The conservative organization said Wednesday it was subpoenaed for its promotion of the Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act. The subpoena seeks all relevant information relating to Eagle Forum’s work concerning the legislation.
“As Americans, we are protected by the First Amendment with the right to petition the government,” Aderholt said. “This action by the U.S. government is a blatant attempt to intimidate citizens from participating in the legislative process, and I believe the court should accordingly quash the subpoena.”
Signed into law this year by Gov. Kay Ivey, the legislation bans physicians from performing sex-altering surgeries upon minors.
According to National Eagle Forum President Kristen A. Ullman, the DOJ’s actions place at stake “the ability of all private citizen advocates and non-profit advocacy organizations to engage in the legislative process.”
The Eagle Forum of Alabama said the DOJ’s effort “is broad, intrusive, and meant to harass.”
The law was challenged in U.S. District Court on April 19 by plaintiffs who alleged it was unconstitutional. Eagle Forum of Alabama is not involved in that lawsuit.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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