Federal judge blocks Illinois law targeting crisis pregnancy centers, citing First Amendment violation.
Federal Judge Blocks Illinois Law Targeting Crisis Pregnancy Centers
A federal judge has issued a block on a new Illinois law that specifically targets crisis pregnancy centers in the state, citing a violation of the First Amendment. The law, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, grants the state’s attorney general the power to investigate alleged consumer fraud cases against crisis pregnancy centers accused of deceptive practices. However, concerns have been raised that this law could be used to unfairly target pro-life centers that provide information on the potential links between abortion and breast cancer or infertility.
“The bill is painfully and blatantly a violation of the First Amendment,” stated U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston. “There’s no doubt who the Attorney General wants to win or lose in the market place of ideas, but the government doesn’t get to decide that. The people do.”
Shortly after the law was enacted, the Thomas More Society, a conservative law firm dedicated to defending religious liberty and free speech, filed a lawsuit challenging the law. Peter Breen, the executive vice president and head of litigation for the Thomas More Society, expressed relief after the judge’s ruling, stating, ”Free Speech won today in the Land of Lincoln. Pro-life advocates across Illinois can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won’t be pursued for ‘misinformation’ by Attorney General Kwame Raoul.”
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of several organizations, including the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, Women’s Pregnancy Services, Rockford Family Initiative, Relevant Pregnancy Options Center, and the Pro-Life Action League. Breen emphasized that pregnancy help ministries across the nation are facing discrimination through laws that target their life-affirming work. He believes that the injunction granted by the court sends a strong message that the First Amendment protects pro-life speech.
If found guilty of alleged “misinformation, deceptive practices, or misrepresentation,” centers could have faced fines of up to $50,000. The law championed by Governor Pritzker aims to prevent women in the state from accessing what he considers to be “misinformation.” However, the judge’s ruling has temporarily halted its implementation.
It is worth noting that Vermont has also implemented a similar law targeting pro-life pregnancy centers, which is currently being challenged in court.
Click here to get the DailyWire+ app
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...