US high court will hear appeal against Massachusetts law creating ‘buffer zones’ at abortion clinics
June 24, 2013
The US Supreme Court announced on June 24 that it would consider an appeal of a Massachusetts law that bars pro-life activists a “buffer zone” extending 35 feet from the entrance to any abortion clinic.
Pro-lifers argue that the bill is designed to place an unconstitutional burden on their freedom of speech, since it makes it difficult for them to address women approaching abortion clinics. The legal challenge notes that in practice, the “buffer zone” prohibition applies only to pro-lifers; all others are allowed on the sidewalks near the clinics. Thus the bill place the government in the position of restricting speech based on content, in violation of the First Amendment.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
