A federal judge on Thursday issued a temporary restraining order against Florida’s surgeon general, the latest development in a legal battle over a television ad supporting the state’s abortion rights ballot measure.
Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Health sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple broadcast stations that had aired the ad, threatening criminal charges against stations that didn’t stop playing it.
The restraining order against Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo lasts through Oct. 29.
Even before the decision, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel had denounced the cease-and-desist letters as a violation of the First Amendment.
The Florida Department of Health continued to oppose the ads in a statement on Friday.
Persons:
“, Mark Walker, Joseph Ladapo, ” Walker, Jessica Rosenworcel, ” Rosenworcel, ”, John Wilson, Wilson, Jae Williams, ” Caroline, Lauren Brenzel, ” “, ” Brenzel, Bacardi Jackson, ” Jackson
Organizations:
Florida Department of Health, U.S, District, Florida, State of, Federal Communications, Tampa Bay Times, Miami Herald, The Florida Department of Health
Locations:
Florida, Caroline, coercing, State of Florida, Hurricane Milton