As vote-by-mail ballots begin to arrive, proponents of a measure to safeguard abortion rights in the state Constitution clashed with the DeSantis administration in court. The dispute centered on a state website and advertisements opposing the ballot initiative.
On Wednesday, Daniel Marshall, an attorney representing the Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee, addressed Leon County Circuit Judge Jonathan Sjostrom, accusing the state of “unconstitutionally entering the debate” over Amendment 4, which will appear on the November ballot.
Read: Florida Deploys Response And Recovery Assistance To North Carolina & Tennessee
Marshall argued that the state has “abandoned neutrality” and is now actively campaigning against the amendment through television, radio, and online ads. He also criticized the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration website, claiming it presents “false and misleading information” about the proposal.
Governor DeSantis has been a vocal opponent of the amendment, which seeks to block laws restricting abortion access before viability or when necessary for the patient’s health, as determined by the health provider.
The state’s website issues warnings about the proposal, suggesting it could lead to “unregulated and unsafe abortions.”
Read: DeSantis-Led Committees Raise Over $1.5 Million To Oppose Florida Marijuana, Abortion Amendments
In defense, Clark Hildabrand, representing the DeSantis administration, argued that the government has not hindered the amendment’s path to the ballot and that it is typical for officials to express opinions on proposed amendments. He stated that the Florida Constitution permits public agencies to share their perspectives on public policy.
Judge Sjostrom assured that he would make a ruling soon. The Floridians Protecting Freedom committee continues to lead efforts in support of the ballot measure.
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