{"id":1848,"date":"2019-11-12T10:00:26","date_gmt":"2019-11-12T17:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegonewsdesk.com\/?p=1848"},"modified":"2019-11-12T15:59:46","modified_gmt":"2019-11-12T22:59:46","slug":"abortion-bill-backfires-on-democrats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegonewsdesk.com\/?p=1848","title":{"rendered":"Abortion Bill Backfires on Democrats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Michael Palomba<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Democrats have been \u201ctrolled\u201d time and time again. But usually, the trolling is done by Republicans or other opponents. But recently, they trolled themselves, hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

It all started with a state law passed by California Democrats in 2015. The law\u2019s goal was to ensure pregnant women get a full picture of their options, including abortion. The bill \u201crequire[s] a licensed covered facility, as defined, to disseminate a notice to all clients, as specified, stating, among other things, that California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services, prenatal care, and abortion, for eligible women.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Essentially, the bill required all pregnancy centers, even those devoted to pro-life causes, to advertise the availability of abortion. Those that did not comply would be hit with civil lawsuits and fines. The bill would, \u201cauthorize the Attorney General, city attorney, or county counsel to bring an action to impose a specified civil penalty against covered facilities that fail to comply with these requirements.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Photo by Victor Panlilio via Flickr<\/a><\/p>\n

The bill passed along party lines, with Republicans urging that it was a major violation of the First Amendment right to free speech.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) said, \u201cHaving this organization required to carry a government message is clearly constitutionally wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, as it turns out, she and other Republicans were correct\u2014and Democrats are paying for it dearly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a lengthy court battle, the bill made it all the way to the Supreme Court, where it was ruled unconstitutional in a 5-4 vote. However, it did not end there, the Supreme Court decision also had consequences for Democrats.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Cal Matters:<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some $2.03 million was spread among five conservative organizations:<\/span><\/p>\n