Massachusetts governor signs law to limit protests at abortion clinics

[malaise]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/30/massachusetts-law-limit-protests-abortion-clinics
<snip>
Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick on Wednesday signed into law a measure allowing to police to order anti-abortion protesters away from clinic entrances if their presence impedes public access.

The measure comes a month after the US Supreme Court knocked down a 2007 Massachusetts law prohibiting protests within 35 feet (11 meters) of the entrances of reproductive health facilities, a measure that the top court found violated the right to freedom of speech.

“I am incredibly proud to sign legislation that continues Massachusetts leadership in ensuring that women seeking to access reproductive health facilities can do so safely and without harassment,” Patrick said after signing the measure.

The law will allow police to order protesters to move 25 feet (8 meters) away from clinic entrances for eight hours if they block access. State officials, who drafted the bill quickly after the Supreme Court decision, said the new approach was modeled on similar laws elsewhere that had withstood legal challenges.
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Bravo Duval Patrick

[onehandle]

1. So law enforcement has been drawn into this, officially.

This will be interesting. Gun nuts have been trying to further their cause 'from the left' by 'joining' with social liberals against police, which of course gun nuts view as 'jack-booted thugs' infringing on their 'gun rights.'

I've seen embedded gun trolls trying this here at DU.

Hopefully this type of protection will spread to other states and stymie these domestic terrorists.

[malaise]

3. Note this part

State officials, who drafted the bill quickly after the Supreme Court decision, said the new approach was modeled on similar laws elsewhere that had withstood legal challenges.

[onehandle]

4. Ah, Very Interesting. Thanks. nt

[RKP5637]

2. Excellent!!! n/t

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. The wingnuts are already getting their lawsuits ready

They are beyond fucking emboldened now and this one has nothing better to do.

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[awoke_in_2003]

6. It is disgusting...

that such a law is necessary. F'ing Supreme Court.

[IronGate]

7. Yeah, all 9 justices.

[MADem]

10. Yet we're not allowed to stand on the sidewalk and have a conversation with THEM....

I really wish someone would sue for access to their parking lot, so we can let them know OUR opinions re: the issues of the day--see how they like it when the shoe is crammed on that other swollen foot!

[Takket]

8. like the police have nothing better to do...

then clear people away from the door of a place where people can go to do things that are perfectly legal.

I applaud this new law but I can't believe how absurd it is we need this because of our supreme court.

[ReRe]

9. Yes, Bravo Duval Patrick!

I, too, think it is despicable that we even have to enact such laws. I think abortions should be performed in all hospitals, instead of at women's clinics. That would knock all the drama out from under the busy-bodys who have nothing better to do with their time than to stick their noses in someone else's business. Just think of all the time this would open up for prayer meetings, where they could pray over the issue.

[C Moon]

11. Love it! We have a small, inconspicuous clinic near our home, and I noticed...

the day after our glorious idiots in robes made their "decision," that there were a few people standing in front of the clinic. I've never seen ANYONE entering the clinic let alone protesting it. It's very low key and on a back street.

The "protest" only lasted one day, though. Must have been exhausting. :/

I hope other states follow MA's law!