Federal Judge Upholds Massachusetts Buffer Zone Law

A federal judge has upheld the constitutionality of a Massachusetts law that expands protest-free zones around reproductive health care facilities from 18 feet to 35 feet. Earlier this year, anti-abortion protesters filed a federal suit challenging the law’s constitutionality, claiming that it forced them off of sidewalks and into the street, restricting their free speech.

Judge John Tauro ruled Friday in favor of the law, stating that it “passes constitutional muster under the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Due Process Clause.”

During the case, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley and Boston Police Captain Bill Evans testified in support of the legislation.

>Learn more about buffer zone legislation.