Auction to assist suspect blocked

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- An eBay auction planned by abortion foes to raise money for the man accused of killing Wichita, Kan., abortion doctor George Tiller will not be permitted, company officials said yesterday.

"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 issued to The Kansas City Star.

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 yesterday.

"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 May 31. His trial is scheduled in January.

Those working on the fundraiser said banning the auction was a violation of their rights.

"We have other plans that I'm not at the discretion to say right now," said Regina Dinwiddie, a Kansas City abortion opponent and friend of Roeder.