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Pro-life activist targets Tampa elementary kids

Posted at 6:27 PM, Dec 16, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-16 19:03:16-05

Moms and dads are fuming, and one was actually yelling out, "Moron, moron moron!"

But Diana Kline, founder of Abolishment Society of Tampa, refuses to be deterred from her mission.

Wednesday she protested in front of Gorrie Elementary School in South Tampa.

"I started out going to high schools, but I found the vast number of those students had been already been indoctrinated with the pro-choice mantra," said Kline.

So, Kline has set her eyes on elementary school children.

Stephanie Hemming is the mother of two young boys who've been where Kline has protested before. Hemming is sick over her actions.

"At this age, this is the furthest thing from their mind, and with her yelling out there (about) killing babies... I was so upset," said Hemming.

The sign is what bothers parents the most. We're not showing the full pictures because they are so graphic. Hemming said she tried explaining it to her son after he saw it.

"He saw the sign and said, 'Is that a dead baby?' And I had to say yes it was," said Hemming, "What could I do?"

The principal at Mitchell Elementary School took the unusual step when Kline showed up, calling early dismissals on two separate occasions.

At both schools, police had to be called. Officers said the first amendment gives Kline the right to be on a public sidewalk preaching her message.

"I am all for freedom of speech, but (she's) scaring little kids because they don't even know what she's talking about," said Kelly Shear, another Mitchell parent.

"My eight-year-old daughter was so scared because she thought the lady was going to take her," said Shear.

But Kline argues otherwise, and she's chosen these schools specifically because of their proximity to clinics. Despite heated protests, she promises to take her message to other elementary schools and public events for young children.

She say she'll keep her sign, arguing that she thinks kids have seen worse.

"This is no worse than what a kid is being exposed to on the internet or video games," said Kline.

Parents argue they can control what their kids search, play or watch -- and Kline has no right to make this decision on abortion lessons for them.

"He's nine and is not fully ready to comprehend what it is," said Hemming.

A spokesperson for Hillsborough County Schools said they are not commenting on Kline and her message.

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