A federal appeals court has delivered a major victory for free speech in Clearwater, Florida. The 11th Circuit struck down a city ordinance that banned pro-life sidewalk counselors from approaching the entrance of an abortion facility.
The law created a so-called “vehicular safety zone,” but in practice it blocked peaceful volunteers from offering literature, prayer, and alternatives to women seeking abortions. The court ruled the city went far beyond what was necessary for traffic safety and instead infringed on core First Amendment rights.
With the decision, pro-life advocates can once again stand on the public sidewalk, speak with women, and provide compassionate help at the clinic entrance. The ruling halts the ordinance while legal proceedings continue, once again reminding the abortion industry that pro-life speech is protected speech.
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