Protesters demonstrate near home of SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas during Democrat ethics investigation.

Pro-Abortion Advocates Gather Outside Justice Clarence Thomas’ Home

Controversial Protest Potentially Illegal Under Federal Law

On May 11, pro-abortion advocates gathered outside the Virginia neighborhood of Justice Clarence Thomas for a potentially illegal protest. The abortion advocacy group “Ruth Sent Us” flew banners with controversial messages and engaged in chants against the Thomases. The protest was the most recent in a series of protests at the homes of conservative justices.

• Banners read “Say no to Christo-Fascism,” “[expletive] Thomas,” and Antifa pride flags.
• Another banner read, “An unethical judiciary makes a mockery of this democracy,” referencing allegations that Thomas committed ethical violations.
• Protesters engaged in chants such as “Two, four, six, eight, Thomas is a reprobate” and “Ginni Thomas is an insurrectionist.”
• At least one protester flew a “Black Lives Matter” flag.

Under U.S. Code Section 1507, protesters are forbidden from picketing near the homes of judges “with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge.” Despite this, law enforcement officers present at the protest refused to answer questions about their refusal to enforce Section 1507. No arrests or attempts to disperse the protesters were made.

Protesters’ claims centered around ethical concerns over the Thomases, with one protester stating, “An unethical judiciary makes a mockery of this democracy.” However, Republicans argue that Democrats are conducting a witch hunt against Thomas and the court in general because of its conservative majority.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) had circulated a training memo explicitly directing Marshals not to make arrests under Section 1507, according to Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.).