Madison Common Council proposed a city ordinance Tuesday to protect citizens entering and exiting health care facilities, like Planned Parenthood, from protesters.
The city legislation creates a zone within 160 feet of a health care facility where patients can travel without hindrance from protesters. According to the legislation, a “health care facility” is defined as a hospital, clinic or office used by a licensed physician.
In addition, the ordinance inhibits people from approaching patients closer than eight feet with the intent of protesting. If passed, it will become illegal for protesters to hand out leaflets, display signs or orally protest within the eight feet buffer.
Fourteen of 20 Common Council members supported the proposed ordinance. Of those 14, three alders representing the campus area sponsored it.
One of the sponsors, Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said he believes women should be able to walk into a health care clinic free of controversy.
“While I do believe in free speech,” he said, “the buffer zone creates a protective zone for women not to be harassed while walking into an abortion clinic.”
Protesters who violate the ordinance would be fined no less than $50 and no more than $1000, according to the ordinance.
The Public Safety Review Committee will review the legislation Feb. 11 and send it back to Common Council for a vote Feb. 25.
