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Anti-abortion groups sue to restrict Madison, Wis., buffer zones

MADISON, Wis., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Anti-abortion protesters say they have asked a federal court to clarify the use of buffer zones outside Madison, Wis., healthcare facilities.

A city ordinance creates a 320-foot-wide "anti-speech bubble" on certain sidewalks in the city, in which people may not get within 8 feet of another person, without consent, for purposes of protest, education, the passing of leaflets or display of signs.

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Madison Vigil for Life, Students for Life Madison and eight activists challenged the law in a complaint filed Feb. 25. The 34-page lawsuit says, in part, "It is practically impossible to pass a leaflet or handbill to a person from 8 feet away."

It adds that, because the bubbles surround an assortment of physician's offices, clinics and hospital entrances, the city has converted miles of sidewalks into "anti-leafleting corridors."

Attorney Matt Bowman, representing the plaintiffs, called the ordinance overly broad under the First Amendment.

The groups seek a temporary restraining order and an injunction to prevent the city from enforcing the buffer zones, the Courthouse News Service reported Friday.

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