First Amendment debate erupts over reproductive, transgender healthcare bill

Speech that would cause a “reasonable” person to suffer emotional harm can be punished under the bill. Critics have constitutional concerns.

By: Dana DiFilippo

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: June 10, 2026

Words: 895

Last Updated: 1 day, 13 hours ago

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Free-speech advocates are warning that legislation meant to protect reproductive and transgender healthcare — which is heading for a key vote in the Statehouse this week — contains a provision that unconstitutionally violates the First Amendment.

The concerns come as supporters of the bill say its passage is crucial, with the Trump administration increasingly acting to restrict or in some cases block access to both types of care. The Assembly is set …

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