Judge blocks Fla. governor from threatening TV stations over abortion rights ad

Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Declaring "it's the First Amendment, stupid," a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis from threatening television stations for airing ads supporting an abortion rights constitutional amendment.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker of the Northern District of Florida on Thursday granted a restraining order requested by Floridians Protecting Freedom Inc. against DeSantis' administration after the state health department demanded that local television stations stop airing a 30-second ad advocating a "yes" vote on Amendment 4, a measure that would outlaw legislation restricting or banning abortion in the state.

Advertisement