"Buffer Zone" Ordinance Lifted in Jackson, Mississippi

photo credit: Victor Panlilio / Flickr

After only a year in place, an ordinance prohibiting pro-life protests outside abortion businesses in Jackson, Mississippi has been lifted by the Jackson City Council. The council voted unanimously last week to overturn the speech-limiting rule.

The ordinance was put in place in October 2019; banning people from gathering outside "health care facilities" or using any kind of amplified noise. Violating the ordinance could mean facing up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. While it does not reference abortion businesses, it is clear that the ordinance was passed for their benefit.

The Mississippi Justice Institute filed a lawsuit on behalf of Sidewalk Advocates for Life quickly after the ordinance was originally passed last year. Aaron Rice, the institute's director, said in a press release, “We are pleased that the city of Jackson has decided to do the right thing and end this unconstitutional restriction on free expression. This is a major victory for free speech for Jackson and the state of Mississippi.”

Andy Taggart, a lawyer who worked pro-bono on behalf of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, said he was glad the freedom of speech is no longer being restricted by this ordinance. He told WLBT, “The city of Jackson has rescinded an ordinance that should have never been the law to begin with, and at least for now, things are set right.”

Click here to read more.