Few people would consider James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, as being a staunch supporter of the pro-choice movement.

But to defendants in a trial that begins in Colorado Springs on Friday, he might as well be.

The three defendants, members of American Right To Life, were arrested on trespassing charges arising from a protest at Focus headquarters in September.

They and five other people had shown up in protest over Dobson’s endorsement of John McCain. The group felt betrayed that Dobson would back  a candidate who had voted to approve funds for abortion in cases of pregnancies stemming from rape or incest.

Their big point of contention: Dobson had pledged in 1990 to never “cast one vote for any man or woman who would kill one innocent baby” — a claim captured on video. An American Right To Life spokesman said at the time that Dobson had invoked the name of God in that pledge, and in endorsing McCain, he “violated his pledge to God.” 

“When he violated it therefore, not only did he break his promise, but in so doing he also dishonors God,” the group said in a press release.

The Gazette will be at the trial Friday, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, you can read more about the group here.