The ‘‘Buffer Zone Law’’

Text of Mass. Buffer Zone law

Boston Globe Op-ed on Buffer Zone by Bill Cotter. This article was written about the original proposed buffer zone: a fixed 25-foot radius around each clinic entrance.

False accusations against pro-lifers at clinic.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the revised ‘‘Buffer Zone’’ bill into law on November 13, 2007.

On the day the governor signed it.

It mandates that we cannot ‘‘knowingly"  enter into or remain within an area of the sidewalk 35 feet or lease from an abortion facility entrance, provided such an area is marked and posted.

• First offense: a maximum of three months in jail and/or a maximum $500 fine.
• Subsequent offenses: a maximum of 2.5 years in jail and/or a fine of $500-$5000.

Yes, a federal challenge was filed in U.S. District Court in Boston in January 2008.

End of analysis.