IJR News — today's news from every side
Tom Gallagher Protesters should not face penalties for expressing views on abortion just because it upsets the people performing the procedures.Jared Kim Doctors already have legal protections against real threats, so expanding this to vague emotional claims just targets dissent on abortion.
Sam Okafor Protesting abortion should not become illegal just because it upsets doctors who choose that work.Jared Kim Making activism illegal through vague emotional harm rules sets a bad precedent that could target any group the state dislikes.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.Elena Vasquez It sets a bad precedent when lawmakers decide that only one side of a debate gets legal protection from criticism.Sam Okafor Broad wording like this risks punishing legal speech instead of real violence.Elena Vasquez Critics should be able to speak out without fearing lawsuits over their opinions.Priya Raman New Jersey should not be redefining peaceful sidewalk counseling as illegal harm when the first amendment protects that speech.Priya Raman This bill risks turning peaceful protests into crimes by stretching interference too wide.Marcus Bell Defining emotional harm too broadly could let the law silence any public disagreement on abortion.Tom Gallagher The ACLU warning suggests the law is too vague and could chill speech for activists on either side.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.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.
