Paul Vaughn Sentenced for 2021 Pro-Life Protest

Pro-life activist Paul Vaughn has been sentenced to three years of supervised release without prison time or fines for his role in a 2021 protest at a Tennessee abortion clinic, despite the Biden administration's request for a one-year prison sentence. Vaughn was convicted of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and conspiracy against rights. His co-defendant, Cal Zastrow, received a six-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release for his participation in the same protest. Vaughn plans to appeal his conviction, arguing that the laws used against him are misapplied and rooted in false narratives. Both Vaughn and Zastrow publicly expressed that their actions were motivated by their Christian faith. Supporters of Vaughn celebrated the leniency of his sentence, though he still faces restrictions typically associated with felony convictions.