Florida Republican lawmakers, eyeing Texas’ abortion law for clues to Florida’s next steps, might be well served to remember: what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has recognized that unleashing private lawsuits to enforce abortion legislation can also be applied to California’s ban on assault weapons, struck down as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. Texas’ unique approach – putting enforcement in private vs. government hands – has so far withstood judicial challenge. If the U.S. Supreme Court fails to shut down this state-driven work-around, private actions over the next 20 years will be weaponized nationwide by both parties for political agendas.
Originally posted for the Orlando Sentinel’s Central Florida 100.