California governor says he will use legal tactics of Texas abortion ban to enforce gun control
Friday’s ruling from the Supreme Court allows Texas’ abortion law banning the procedure after the first six weeks of pregnancy to remain but says abortion providers have the right to challenge the law in court. federal court. However, the ruling limits state officials who can be sued by abortion providers, which could make it difficult for them to continue providing abortions beyond the sixth week of pregnancy.
That’s because of the law’s new enforcement mechanism, which allows private citizens – from anywhere in the country – to bring civil lawsuits against anyone assisting a pregnant woman seeking an abortion in violation of the law.
If lower courts are only allowed to issue orders preventing select public officials from enforcing the ban, it is unclear whether that will be enough to allow clinics to continue with the procedure, as they still could face lawsuits in state court from private citizens seeking to enforce the ban.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Newsom said he directed his staff to draft a bill that would allow private citizens to seek relief “against anyone who manufactures, distributes or sell assault weapons or spooky gun sets or parts in the State of California.”
The bill would also provide statutory damages of at least $10,000 in addition to attorneys’ fees, the governor’s statement said.
“If the most effective way to stop these devastating weapons on our streets is to add to the threat of private lawsuits, then we should,” Newsom said.
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