A federal judge in Florida has extended a temporary restraining order preventing the head of the state's health department from taking action against TV stations airing commercials for an abortion rights measure on the upcoming ballot. The judge sided with Floridians Defending Freedom, the group behind the ads advocating for the ballot question that seeks to add abortion rights to the state constitution if passed on Nov. 5.
The decision came after a hearing where attorneys for the campaign and state officials presented arguments. The order prohibits State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo from coercing or intimidating broadcasters showing the commercials. This extension allows the judge more time to consider the preliminary injunction requested by the abortion rights campaign.
