Judge Blocks DeSantis Admin's Ad Threats

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibiting them from threatening television stations with legal action for airing ads supporting a pro-abortion rights amendment (Amendment 4). Chief U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker criticized the DeSantis administration for violating the First Amendment, emphasizing that political speech is constitutionally protected. The lawsuit, filed by Floridians Protecting Freedom, followed cease-and-desist letters from the Florida Department of Health, which claimed the ads were false and endangered public health. The ad features a woman recounting her need for an abortion due to a medical condition while pregnant, which the state argued was misleading. The ruling is a temporary measure, with a hearing for a permanent injunction scheduled for later this month. Amendment 4 aims to overturn Florida’s six-week abortion ban by enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution.