Proxemics: The application of theory to conflict arising from antiabortion demonstrations

Theories concerning the cultural use of space have found an unexpected application. Antiabortion demonstrators at Boulder Abortion Clinic in Boulder, Colorado became increasingly aggressive and provoked widespread community opposition to their activities. As the result of harassment of the clinic's patients, a prochoice group asked the Boulder City Council to enact a "buffer zone" ordinance to protect women entering the clinic from antiabortion harassment. The ordinance, containing specific approach distance limitations, was adopted and was immediately challenged in court. Clinic officials then called Dr. Edward Hall and a social psychologist, Dr. Marianne LaFrance, to testify concerning proxemic theory. The ordinance was upheld.