Judge says West Palm Beach abortion law violates free speech

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A federal judge says a West Palm Beach law requiring abortion protesters to obey a 20-foot buffer zone violates free-speech rights.

US District Judge Donald Middlebrooks has ruled that the ordinance is too strict, adding that a related law prohibiting "unnecessary noise" and "amplified sound" within 100 feet of such facilities can be enforced.

The law was passed in October.

An attorney for three women who regularly protest outside the Presidential Women's Center says the ordinance was designed to suppress the speech of pro-life demonstrations.

The lawyer also says the city could be liable for attorneys' fees, which amount to about 40-thousand dollars so far.

The clinic's director says she hopes a new law can be adopted.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)