An eBay auction planned by abortion opponents to raise money for the man accused of killing Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller will not be permitted, company officials said Tuesday.
"Based on the details we know about the anticipated listings, we believe these would violate our policy regarding offensive material," the company said in a statement to The Kansas City Star. "eBay will not permit the items in question to be posted to the eBay site, and they will be removed if they are posted."
The announcement came the same day that Tiller's family implored eBay to prevent the auction.
"These materials contain hate messages, glorify violence against abortion doctors who provide constitutionally protected medical services, and instruct on means of violence, including bombing, of abortion clinics," said Lee Thompson, an attorney for the Tiller family, in a letter sent to eBay on Tuesday and approved by Tiller's widow, Jeanne Tiller.
"We urge you to deny access to the resources of eBay for this reprehensible and vile 'auction.' "
The auction was intended to raise money for the defense of Scott Roeder, who is charged with first-degree murder in Tiller's death and is scheduled to go on trial in January. Currently, Roeder is being represented by public defenders.
Roeder's supporters are encouraging him to use a "necessity defense," saying that Tiller's killing on May 31 was an act of justifiable homicide. Other anti-abortion activists charged with violent crimes have tried to use such a defense, but with little success.
Those working on the fundraiser said banning the auction was a violation of their rights.
To read the complete article, visit www.kansascity.com.