Kentucky Attorney General Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Uphold First Amendment Rights of Sidewalk Counselors

at a time when those rights are needed most

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 6, 2024) – Kentucky's Attorney General Russell Coleman urged the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to a buffer-zone law that unconstitutionally restricts free speech under the First Amendment at a time when those rights are needed most.

“Buffer-zone laws cut off free speech, and they do it where the First Amendment is most necessary and effective,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Although cities can stop obstruction on sidewalks, the First Amendment doesn’t tolerate laws based on the content of speech or that restrict more speech than necessary.”

General Coleman submitted a brief asking the Supreme Court to take up Turco v. City of Englewood, which involves a local buffer-zone ordinance in New Jersey that prevents sidewalk counselors from holding compassionate conversations with women considering abortion.

A similar buffer-zone law in Louisville has been temporarily blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit since 2022. The Sixth Circuit found that Kentucky’s sidewalk counselors do not seek “to harass or protest” but to “offer a compassionate ear.” The Kentucky case remains ongoing. As a result, the resolution of the Turco case could affect the First Amendment rights of Kentucky’s sidewalk counselors.

“We have seen miracles happen on the sidewalk, as mothers and fathers make the courageous decision to choose life. Buffer-zone laws are a fundamental threat to the First Amendment and stop the work that can truly save lives. We are grateful to Attorney General Coleman for his continued defense of our faith and freedoms,” said Sisters for Life President and Founder Angela Minter.

Solicitor General Matt Kuhn and Assistant Solicitor General Daniel Grabowski prepared the brief on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Read the brief.