Pueblo City Council tables proposed abortion ordinance; pulled from agenda indefinitely

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo City Council voted 4-3 to table the abortion ordinance. It's now pulled from the agenda indefinitely unless a council member puts it on the agenda again.

Since the ordinance is now tabled, there will be no public comment in tonight's meeting.

Monday, Pueblo's City Council was expected to have a final vote on the controversial abortion ordinance that seeks to prevent an abortion and reproductive health clinic from operating out of the city.

The 11-page ordinance passed its first reading on Nov. 28. The proposed ordinance cites a law from 1873, which makes it illegal to mail abortion-related materials.

Around 100 people attended the Dec. 7 city council Work Session where council members received additional information on the proposed ordinance.

A large crowd is also expected to gather for Monday's meetings. As of 3 p.m., protestors from both sides were already outside City Hall with a line of people wanting to get in that wrapped nearly to the end of the building.

During the last meeting, two speakers were originally set to discuss the legality of the proposed ordinance. However, that discussion was stopped after the city was threatened with legal action by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).

The ACLJ accused the council members of receiving a list of pro-life legal experts but denied them from speaking.

In a five-page document obtained by KRDO the ACLJ states, " The ACLJ will not allow this viewpoint discrimination in violation of the first amendment of the United States Constitution to stand."

During Monday's meeting, both legal sides were expected to present to the city council.

Everyone who wished to attend the meetings in person was subject to a metal detector screening and a bag check before entering. Like the previous meeting, only 135 people were allowed in Council chambers. Anyone who arrives once the limit's been met was asked to leave.

A final reading of the ordinance will follow the Work Session.

The meetings will also be streamed on the City of Pueblo's website, Facebook page, and Comcast Government Access Channel 17.

The Work Session begins at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting will start at 7 p.m.