Court Orders Vandal to Stay Away from Clinic

January 11, 2008

Today, Attorney General Steve Rowe announced that the Maine Superior Court has issued an Order under the Maine Civil Rights Act against Roland Cloutier of Topsham, Maine, arising from his repeated vandalism of the sign in front of the offices of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England at the Bowdoin Mill Complex in Topsham.

The State?s Complaint alleged that, sometime over the spring or early summer, Cloutier, 72 years old, scrawled graffiti on the horizontal arm extending from the sign post. The graffiti?s message was both offensive and threatening to those seeking health care at the facility. Over the weekend of August 24, 2007, Cloutier again vandalized the sign with an anti-abortion message and scribbled marks over the lettering for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. His vandalism in August was captured on a security camera installed by Planned Parenthood in response to the repeated vandalism of its sign.

The Court?s Order permanently enjoins Cloutier from coming within 150 feet of the offices of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or using violence or property damage to interfere with the right of Planned Parenthood or other reproductive health providers to advertise their services. Cloutier also agreed under the Order to pay restitution to Planned Parenthood in the amount of $488, the cost of replacing the sign.

?Maine people have a right to receive health care services without interference by vandals.? Attorney General Rowe stated, ?My Office will continue to bring actions under the Maine Civil Rights Act to enjoin vandalism targeted at interfering with people?s constitutionally guaranteed rights.?

The Attorney General praised the Topsham Police Department for its investigation of the incident. The department referred the case to the Attorney General for action under the Maine Civil Rights Act.

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Daavid Loughran, (207) 626-8577