FACE Act: 'Columbia SC anti-abortion protester sang hymns and quoted scripture. He still lost'
Anti-abortion protester Steven Lefemine loses bid for new trial after being convicted of obstructing a Columbia abortion clinic. (John Monk/jmonjk@thestate.com)
By John Monk (The State) - Posted at AOL News:
Published May 5, 2026
Late last week, a 2-1 ruling by a U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld Lefemine’s March 2024 conviction for blocking the door to a Columbia abortion and reproductive services clinic off Forest DriveSteven Lefemine has quoted the Bible and sung hymns.
In his yearslong quest to overturn a criminal conviction in federal court for blocking a Columbia abortion clinic’s door, he has fought the good fight.
But now man’s law has won — again.
Late last week, a 2-1 ruling by a U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld Lefemine’s March 2024 conviction for blocking the door to a Columbia abortion and reproductive services clinic off Forest Drive.
Man’s law was written by Congress and it says, quite simply: You cannot block an abortion clinic door.
That’s why Lefemine was easily convicted in March 2024 in U.S. District Court in Columbia of violating the Freedom of Access to a Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act. The act prohibits people from obstructing individuals seeking reproductive health care, and Lefemine did just that.
