Senate hearing on buffer zone repeal

On Tuesday, March 31 the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on a bill to remove a buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.

Last year New Hampshire passed a law to create a 25-foot protest-free zone around reproductive health clinics. 

However, on June 26 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Massachusetts, stating that the law infringed on the right to free speech.  As a result, Attorney General Foster is not enforcing New Hampshire's buffer zone law.

Supporters of a repeal argue that the New Hampshire law violates the constitutional right to free speech.  They also argue that New Hampshire should not keep a law that is not enforced.

Opponents of a repeal counter that the New Hampshire law differs from Massachusetts' law in several important ways.  For example, Massachusetts' buffer zone was 30 feet, not 25 feet.  They argue the courts should have a chance to judge New Hampshire's law before it is repealed.