Florida’s Department of Health is threatening local television stations with criminal prosecution if they continue airing an ad in support of an abortion-rights ballot initiative.
The agency earlier this month sent cease-and-desist letters to every television station in the state that aired the ad, warning them that the ads contain false information and violate the state’s “sanitary nuisance laws.”
The cease and desist letter, first reported by investigative journalist Jason Garcia, said the ad is “dangerous” because it could convince pregnant women they won’t be able to have an abortion if their life or health is at risk.
The letter, dated Oct. 3, said the stations may commit a second-degree misdemeanor by carrying the ads, subjecting their employees to a 60-day jail sentence.
The letters represent a further escalation from the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), which has already utilized taxpayer money to fight against the amendment.
A state-run website launched last month by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration attacked the amendment.
In addition, reporting from Florida outlets found that the administration’s stand-alone election police had shown up at some voters’ homes to question them about the validity of their signatures on ballot petitions.
Posted by John3262005
3 Comments
Totally not ghoulish at all
that seems kinda suspect, legally speaking, for the DOH
!ping USA-FL