IJR News — today's news from every side
Tom Gallagher The ACLU warning suggests the law is too vague and could chill speech for activists on either side.
Elena Vasquez It sets a bad precedent when lawmakers decide that only one side of a debate gets legal protection from criticism.Nicole Hardy Defining emotional harm so vaguely might lead to selective enforcement against certain views.Marcus Bell Any law that could jail people for expressing views on abortion needs a closer look to protect speech for everyone.
Priya Raman New Jersey should not be redefining peaceful sidewalk counseling as illegal harm when the first amendment protects that speech.Elena Vasquez Critics should be able to speak out without fearing lawsuits over their opinions.Sam Okafor Broad wording like this risks punishing legal speech instead of real violence.Marcus Bell Defining emotional harm too broadly could let the law silence any public disagreement on abortion.Priya Raman This bill risks turning peaceful protests into crimes by stretching interference too wide.Jared Kim Broadening interference to include feelings could shut down real debate on abortion rights in New Jersey.Priya Raman Free speech matters here and criminalizing activism against clinics sets a dangerous precedent for all sides.Elena Vasquez This bill risks going too far if it really limits peaceful protests and counseling near clinics.Priya Raman Ordinary citizens should still be free to hand out leaflets or speak against providers without new penalties hanging over them.Sam Okafor Defining emotional harm this broadly could shield abortion providers from any public disagreement. That sets a dangerous precedent for other issues too.Jared Kim It is unfair to give abortion providers special protection from criticism while ignoring the emotional side of the issue for others.Marcus Bell Doctors in this field should expect strong opinions without shifting costs onto activists through new laws.Elena Vasquez Lawmakers need to clarify exactly what counts as activism so ordinary counseling or signs do not become crimes.Marcus Bell Women deserve access to care without harassment, but lawmakers should not criminalize basic activism in the process.
