Rep. Kennedy backs health care overhaul in 1st public appearance since feud with RI bishop

Kennedy discusses health care after abortion flap

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rep. Patrick Kennedy says all people deserve health care because they are “children of God” in his first public appearance since escalating a public feud with Rhode Island’s Roman Catholic bishop over abortion and health care.

The Democratic lawmaker spoke Monday at a panel discussion at Brown University.

Kennedy has not addressed an ongoing feud with Bishop Thomas Tobin over the issue of publicly funded abortion in legislation expanding the nation’s health insurance system.

Kennedy earlier this month said Tobin banned him from receiving Holy Communion because of his support for abortion rights. Tobin said he asked Kennedy to stop receiving the sacrament in 2007.

Police removed perennial Rhode Island political candidate Christopher Young from the discussion after he shouted at Kennedy and tossed a boxed movie at the congressman. The item landed harmlessly on a table.