Paul Vaughn, a pro-life father of 11, escaped prison time on Tuesday after he was sentenced in Nashville over his participation in a peaceful protest at a Tennessee abortion facility March 2021.

The Biden administration had asked for one year of prison time, but U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger decided to impose no prison time or fine, sentencing Vaughn to three years of supervised release. Vaughn was convicted of violating the FACE Act and in participating in a conspiracy against rights.

The Biden Justice Department brought charges against Vaughn and 10 other pro-lifers present at a sit-in at the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mt. Juliet.

When given an opportunity to speak, Vaughn said that the “reason I am engaged in activities is because I care for my country.”

He added that it was between the judge and God whether he should be “locked up.”

An overflow room crowded with supporters of Vaughn watching the proceedings at the courthouse erupted into cheers after Trauger said she would impose no jail time.

Vaughn still faces severe penalties for his convictions. As a felon, he can no longer vote or own a firearm. Trauger also imposed restrictions on travel and where he can go.

At the protest where Vaughn was present, a group of pro-lifers gathered on the second floor of an office building in the hallway outside the Carafem abortion facility. The group prayed, sang hymns, and urged women showing up to the clinic not to get abortions. No one present was charged with committing any violence.

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The Thomas More Society, which is representing Vaughn, is expected to appeal his conviction.

On Monday night, around 200 pro-lifers, including Vaughn and his family, gathered at Christ Church Nashville to sing, pray, and read the Bible.

During the rally, Vaughn gave brief remarks talking about how the legal battle had been difficult on his family, but that his Christian faith remained strong.

“It’s real easy for me. I can go and go to battle and go to jail as an individual, and it’s not a big loss,” Vaughn said. “The challenge comes when you’re leading your family through it, when you’re talking to your 3-year-old and your 23-year-old and your other family.”

Several co-defendants of Vaughn, including Cal Zastrow, Dennis Greene, and Coleman Boyd, are all scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday by Trauger.