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Federal Judge: Noise Law Can't Be Used Against Abortion Protesters

A federal judge says Maine's largest city cannot use its noise law to restrict anti-abortion protesters outside a Planned Parenthood clinic.
Image: Anti-abortion activists outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 2
Anti-abortion activists rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 2.SAUL LOEB / AFP - Getty Images
By The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — A federal judge says Maine's largest city cannot use its noise law to restrict anti-abortion protesters outside a Planned Parenthood clinic.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen ruled Monday in favor of a Lewiston pastor who said he was unlawfully targeted because of his views.

Image: Anti-abortion activists outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 2
Anti-abortion activists rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 2.SAUL LOEB / AFP - Getty Images

Andrew March filed the lawsuit after a member of his Cell 53 church was sued by the state attorney general to prevent him from coming within 50 feet of the Planned Parenthood clinic in Portland.

Related: 20 years for Abortion: Woman Appeals Sentence

In granting a preliminary injunction, Torresen left the door open to other options to prevent noisy protests as long as no one particular group is targeted. She noted that police have other options including disorderly conduct and harassment statutes.

The Associated Press

The Associated Press

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