October 7, 2019

Jackson, Mississippi Enacts Restrictions on Protesting Outside Medical Facilities

The Jackson, Mississippi city council voted 3-1 to create 15-foot "buffer zones" around medical facilities, including the town's abortion clinic. The new ordinance would have police officers enforce restrictions on noise near medical facilities and also prevents approaching patients while they are within 100 feet of the facility. Violators could spend up to 90 days in jail and pay a $1,000 fine.

The Mississippi Center for Public Policy said this in response to the ordinance: “the noise is often escalated by the abortion center who will turn up music while sidewalk participants attempt to speak with those around the abortion center and that the regulation curtails their free speech rights.” Click here to read more.