Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shifted his focus from hurricane updates to fighting an abortion rights amendment two weeks before the election. During a campaign-like rally, DeSantis voiced his opposition to the amendment, stating that constitutional amendments should always default to “no” as they are difficult to change once incorporated. The event included a prayer from the archbishop of Miami and the lieutenant governor urging people not to vote like atheists. This comes after the Department of Health’s top lawyer resigned over a letter he was allegedly forced to send by DeSantis’ office to stop a pro-Amendment 4 ad.
Former Department of Health top lawyer, John Wilson, signed an affidavit stating that lawyers for DeSantis wrote a letter under his name and instructed him to mail it to television stations threatening legal action over the Yes on 4 ad. Wilson resigned rather than send additional letters. A judge later blocked the department from taking further action against TV stations over the ads, and Floridians Protecting Freedom filed a lawsuit over the state’s communications with stations. The campaign for Amendment 4 is the most expensive in the country so far, with ads costing around $160 million. If passed, the amendment would override the state law banning abortion after the first six weeks of pregnancy.
Despite opposition, DeSantis’ administration has taken multiple steps against the ballot measure, with a large crowd at the rally cheering his criticism of the amendment. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez received the loudest cheers after stating that the issue was religious for her, urging people not to vote like atheists. The event concluded with a prayer by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, asking for reverence for the gift of human life. A group critical of DeSantis condemned the use of government resources for the anti-Amendment 4 event, accusing him of weaponizing state government against constituents in an attempt to silence voices advocating for change.
The campaign for Amendment 4 in Florida has sparked controversy, with DeSantis facing backlash for using government resources to oppose the ballot measure. A statement from DeSantis Watch spokesman Anders Croy criticized the governor for coordinating a taxpayer-funded press conference with the political campaign against Amendment 4, alleging that DeSantis is silencing the voices of doctors and patients advocating for changes in Florida’s abortion laws. The upcoming election in Florida will see a heated battle over the controversial amendment, with both sides mobilizing supporters and engaging in extensive ad campaigns to sway voters. As the election approaches, the fight over abortion rights is intensifying, raising questions about the role of government in influencing constitutional amendments and the democratic process.
