BOSTON (AP) – Gov. Deval Patrick plans to sign a bill into law that expands protest-free zones around abortion clinics.
The measure would give Massachusetts among the strongest “buffer zone” laws in the nation, creating a hard 35-foot perimeter around a clinic’s entrances and driveways.
Abortion rights advocates have criticized the existing law, which prohibits anyone from approaching another person within 6 feet to hand out a leaflet or counsel that person without their consent near clinics.
Advocates say the “floating buffer zone” law is unwieldily and hard to enforce.
Abortion opponents say the new bill restricts their free-speech rights.
Patrick is expected to sign the bill Tuesday. Lawmakers gave it a special designation to allow it to take effect immediately.
AP-ES-11-12-07 1737EST
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