Judge blasts DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is intensifying efforts to uphold his state's controversial six-week abortion ban amid a push for Amendment 4, a ballot initiative aimed at restoring reproductive rights. Proponents of the amendment have faced threats from the DeSantis administration, which accused TV stations airing pro-choice ads of spreading falsehoods and warned of criminal charges. In response, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the state, asserting that such actions violated the First Amendment and amounted to viewpoint discrimination. The judge, Mark Walker, emphasized the constitutional protection of free speech, stating, 'It’s the First Amendment, stupid.' The ruling is seen as a significant victory for supporters of Amendment 4, who argue that the state's abortion ban jeopardizes women's health and lives. The debate continues as DeSantis's administration attempts to counteract the amendment's popularity ahead of the November vote.