Federal Judge: DeSantis Can’t Prosecute Outlets Over Abortion Ads, Rules “It’s The First Amendment, Stupid”

The Florida Phoenix reports:

A federal judge temporarily barred the DeSantis administration from intimidating and coercing television stations that air ads in support of the proposed Amendment 4, which would bar government interference in abortion. The ruling stops Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo as the head of the Florida Department of Health from acting against broadcasters the department has already threatened with criminal charges.

The temporary restraining order remains in effect until Oct. 29.“Whether it’s a woman’s right to choose, or the right to talk about it, Plaintiff’s position is the same — “don’t tread on me,” U.S. District Judge Mark Walker wrote. “Under the facts of this case, the First Amendment prohibits the State of Florida from trampling on Plaintiff’s free speech. To keep it simple for the state of Florida, it’s the First Amendment, stupid.”

Read the full article.

That was fast: Judge Walker issues a restraining order prohibiting Ron DeSantis’ administration from threatening to prosecute TV stations that air ads in favor of Amendment 4, the abortion rights initiative, finding an egregious First Amendment violation. https://t.co/OWGNQQD12L pic.twitter.com/GpzK9ZXbaH

— Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) October 17, 2024