mccullen et al coakley attorney general massachusetts et argued january decided july massachusetts amended reproductive health care facilities act enacted address clashes abortion opponents advocates abortion rights outside clinics abortions performed amended version act makes crime knowingly stand public way sidewalk within feet entrance driveway reproductive health care facility defined place within upon grounds hospital abortions offered performed mass laws ch act exempts prohibition four classes individuals including employees agents facility acting within scope employment another provision act proscribes knowing obstruction access abortion clinic mccullen petitioners individuals attempt engage women approaching massachusetts abortion clinics sidewalk counseling involves offering information alternatives abortion help pursuing options claim buffer zones displaced previous positions outside clinics considerably hampering counseling efforts attempts communicate patients thwarted claim clinic escorts accompany arriving patients buffer zones clinic entrances petitioners sued attorney general coakley commonwealth officials seeking enjoin act enforcement ground violates first fourteenth amendments face applied district denied challenges first circuit affirmed regard petitioners facial challenge first circuit held act reasonable time place manner regulation test set forth ward rock racism held massachusetts act violates first amendment pp terms act restricts access public way sidewalk places traditionally open speech activities accordingly labeled traditional public fora pleasant grove city summum government ability regulate speech locations limited grace ven public forum however government may impose reasonable restrictions time place manner protected speech provided restrictions justified without reference content regulated speech narrowly tailored serve significant governmental interest leave open ample alternative channels communication information ward supra pp act neither content viewpoint based need analyzed strict scrutiny pp act content based simply establishes buffer zones abortion clinics opposed kinds facilities first act draw distinctions face whether petitioners violate act depends say holder humanitarian law project say second even facially neutral law disproportionately affects speech certain topics remains content neutral long without reference content regulated speech renton playtime theatres act purposes include protecting public safety patient access healthcare unobstructed use public sidewalks streets previously deemed concerns content neutral see boos barry intent single regulation speech abortion inferred act limited scope adopt laws address problems confront burson freeman record crowding obstruction even violence outside massachusetts abortion clinics kinds facilities commonwealth pp act exemption clinic employees agents acting within scope employment appear attempt favor one viewpoint abortion city ladue gilleo distinguished given kind exemption necessary allow individuals work clinics enter remain within buffer zones scope employment qualification simply ensures exemption limited purpose allowing employees jobs even assuming clinic escorts expressed views abortion inside zones record suggest speech within scope escorts employment turned particular clinic authorized employees speak abortion buffer zones support challenge zones clinic pp although act content neutral narrowly tailored burden substantially speech necessary government legitimate interests ward pp buffer zones serve commonwealth legitimate interests maintaining public safety streets sidewalks preserving access adjacent reproductive healthcare facilities see schenck network western time however impose serious burdens petitioners speech depriving two primary methods communicating arriving patients close personal conversations distribution literature forms expression historically closely associated transmission ideas act may allow petitioners protest outside buffer zones petitioners protestors seek merely express opposition abortion engage personal caring consensual conversations women various alternatives thus answer say petitioners still seen heard women within buffer zones women see hear vociferous opponents abortion buffer zones effectively stifled petitioners message pp buffer zones burden substantially speech necessary achieve commonwealth asserted interests subsection act already prohibits deliberate obstruction clinic entrances massachusetts also enact legislation similar federal freedom access clinic entrances act imposes criminal civil sanctions obstructing intimidating interfering persons obtaining providing reproductive health services obstruction clinic driveways readily addressed existing local traffic ordinances commonwealth contends individuals inadvertently obstruct access clinics simply gathering large numbers problem addressed law requiring crowds blocking clinic entrance disperse limited period ordered police event crowding appears problem boston clinic even saturday mornings commonwealth shown seriously undertook address various problems less intrusive tools readily available identifies single prosecution injunction individuals outside abortion clinics since commonwealth responds problems widespread individual prosecutions injunctions effective record indicates problems limited principally boston clinic saturday mornings police appear perfectly capable singling lawbreakers commonwealth also claims difficult prove intentional deliberate obstruction intimidation buffer zones accordingly make police job easier meet narrow tailoring requirement however government must demonstrate alternative measures burden substantially less speech fail achieve government interests simply chosen route easier event determine whether someone intends block access clinic police officer need order move refuses question continued conduct knowing intentional similar reasons commonwealth reliance burson freeman misplaced upheld law establishing buffer zones outside polling places ground less restrictive measures inadequate whereas oter intimidation election fraud difficult detect obstruction harassment abortion clinics anything subtle police generally barred vicinity polls avoid appearance coercion electoral process maintain significant presence outside massachusetts abortion clinics short given vital first amendment interests stake enough massachusetts simply say approaches worked pp reversed remanded roberts delivered opinion ginsburg breyer sotomayor kagan joined scalia filed opinion concurring judgment kennedy thomas joined alito filed opinion concurring judgment opinion notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press eleanor mccullen et petitioners martha coakley attorney eral massachusetts et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit june chief justice roberts delivered opinion massachusetts statute makes crime knowingly stand public way sidewalk within feet entrance driveway place hospital abortions performed mass laws ch west petitioners individuals approach talk women outside facilities attempting dissuade abortions statute prevents petitioners near facilities entrances question presented whether statute violates first amendment massachusetts legislature enacted massachusetts reproductive health care facilities act mass laws ch west law designed address clashes abortion opponents advocates abortion rights occurring outside clinics abortions performed act established defined area radius around entrances driveways facilities anyone enter area within one certain exempt individuals knowingly approach within six feet another person unless person consented purpose passing leaflet handbill displaying sign engaging oral protest education counseling person ibid separate provision subjected criminal punishment anyone knowingly obstructs detains hinders impedes blocks another person entry exit reproductive health care facility statute modeled similar colorado law upheld hill colorado relying hill appeals first circuit sustained massachusetts statute first amendment challenge mcguire reilly mcguire ii cert denied mcguire reilly mcguire massachusetts legislators law enforcement officials come regard statute inadequate legislative hearings multiple witnesses recounted apparent violations law massachusetts attorney general martha coakley example testified protestors violated statute routine basis app illustrate claim played video depicting protestors approaching patients clinic staff within buffer zones ostensibly without latter individuals consent clinic employees volunteers also testified protestors congregated near doors driveways clinics result prospective patients occasionally retreated clinics rather try make way clinic entrances parking lots captain william evans boston police department however testified officers made five arrests planned parenthood clinic boston prosecutions brought unsuccessful witnesses attributed dearth enforcement difficulty policing zones captain evans testified zones crowded protestors resembled goalie crease making hard determine whether protestor deliberately approached patient whether patient consented similar reasons attorney general coakley concluded zones unenforceable police needed said fixed buffer zone around clinics protestors enter captain evans agreed explaining zone make job much easier address concerns massachusetts legislature amended statute replacing zones within area fixed buffer zone individuals categorically excluded statute provides person shall knowingly enter remain public way sidewalk adjacent reproductive health care facility within radius feet portion entrance exit driveway reproductive health care facility within area within rectangle created extending outside boundaries entrance exit driveway reproductive health care facility straight lines point lines intersect sideline street front entrance exit driveway mass laws ch west reproductive health care facility turn defined place within upon grounds hospital abortions offered performed buffer zone applies facility business hours area must clearly marked posted practice facilities typically mark zones painted arcs posted signs adjacent sidewalks streets first violation statute punishable fine three months prison subsequent offense punishable fine two half years prison act exempts four classes individuals persons entering leaving facility employees agents facility acting within scope employment law enforcement ambulance firefighting construction utilities public works municipal agents acting within scope employment persons using public sidewalk street adjacent facility solely purpose reaching destination facility legislature also retained separate provision version proscribes knowing obstruction access facility individuals stand outside massachusetts abortion clinics fairly described protestors express moral religious opposition abortion signs chants cases aggressive methods confrontation petitioners take different tack attempt engage women approaching clinics call sidewalk counseling involves offering information alternatives abortion help pursuing options petitioner eleanor mccullen instance typically initiate conversation way good morning may give literature anything available questions app woman seems receptive mccullen provide additional information mccullen petitioners consider essential maintain caring demeanor calm tone voice direct eye contact exchanges interactions petitioners believe much effective means dissuading women abortions confrontational methods shouting brandishing signs petitioners view tend antagonize intended audience unrefuted testimony petitioners say collectively persuaded hundreds women forgo abortions buffer zones displaced petitioners previous positions outside clinics mccullen offers counseling outside planned parenthood clinic boston petitioners jean zarrella eric cadin petitioner gregory smith prays rosary clinic occupies building street corner main door recessed open foyer approximately feet back public sidewalk act amended create buffer zones petitioners stood near entryway foyer buffer zone marked painted arc sign surrounds entrance zone extends feet sidewalk one direction feet outward one foot short curb clinic entrance adds another seven feet width zone upshot petitioners effectively excluded expanse public sidewalk front petitioners mark bashour nancy clark offer counseling information outside planned parenthood clinic worcester unlike boston clinic worcester clinic sits well back public street sidewalks patients enter clinic one two ways arriving foot turn public sidewalk walk nearly private walkway main entrance patients however arrive car turning onto clinic driveway street parking private lot walking main entrance private walkway bashour clark like stand private walkway driveway intersects sidewalk offer leaflets patients walk drive painted arc extends private walkway feet sidewalk either direction outward nearly curb opposite side street another arc surrounds driveway entrance covering feet sidewalk including width driveway extending across street nearly six feet onto sidewalk opposite side bashour clark must stand either distance sidewalk private walkway driveway across street petitioner cyril shea stands outside planned parenthood clinic springfield like worcester clinic set back public streets approximately patients arrive car park private lots surrounding clinic shea used position entrance one five driveways leading parking lots painted arcs surround entrances spanning approximately feet sidewalk parallel street including width driveways extending outward well street like petitioners worcester clinic shea stands far sidewalk driveway entrances petitioners three clinics claim buffer zones considerably hampered counseling efforts although managed conduct counseling distribute literature outside buffer zones particularly boston clinic say many fewer conversations distributed many fewer leaflets since zones went effect second statutory exemption allows clinic employees agents acting within scope employment enter buffer zones relying exemption boston clinic uses escorts greet women approach clinic accompanying zones clinic entrance petitioners claim escorts sometimes thwart petitioners attempts communicate patients blocking petitioners handing literature patients telling patients pay attention listen petitioners disparaging petitioners crazy january petitioners sued attorney general coakley commonwealth officials sought enjoin enforcement act alleging violates first fourteenth amendments face applied district denied petitioners facial challenge bench trial based stipulated record supp mass appeals first circuit affirmed relying extensively previous decisions upholding version act see mcguire ii mcguire upheld version reasonable time place manner regulation test set forth ward rock racism also rejected petitioners arguments act substantially overbroad void vagueness impermissible prior restraint case returned district held first circuit decision foreclosed one petitioners challenges supp another bench trial denied remaining challenge finding act left petitioners ample alternative channels communication supp appeals affirmed granted certiorari ii terms massachusetts act regulates access public way sidewalk mass laws ch supp areas occupy special position terms first amendment protection historic role sites discussion debate grace places labeled traditional public fora immemorially held trust use public time mind used purposes assembly communicating thoughts citizens discussing public questions pleasant grove city summum quoting perry ed assn perry local educators accident public streets sidewalks developed venues exchange ideas even today remain one places speaker confident simply preaching choir respect means communication individual confronted uncomfortable message always turn page change channel leave web site public streets sidewalks listener often encounters speech might otherwise tune light first amendment purpose preserve uninhibited marketplace ideas truth ultimately prevail fcc league women voters internal quotation marks omitted aspect traditional public fora virtue vice short traditional public fora areas historically open public speech activities thus even though act says nothing speech face doubt respondents dispute restricts access traditional public fora therefore subject first amendment scrutiny see brief respondents although terms act regulates conduct incidentally regulates place time protected speech consistent traditionally open character public streets sidewalks held government ability restrict speech locations limited grace supra particular guiding first amendment principle government power restrict expression message ideas subject matter content applies full force traditional public forum police dept chicago mosley general rule forum government may selectively shield public kinds speech ground offensive others erznoznik jacksonville however afforded government somewhat wider leeway regulate features speech unrelated content ven public forum government may impose reasonable restrictions time place manner protected speech provided restrictions justified without reference content regulated speech narrowly tailored serve significant governmental interest leave open ample alternative channels communication information ward quoting clark community creative parties agree test supplies proper framework assessing constitutionality massachusetts act disagree whether act satisfies test three requirements iii petitioners contend act content neutral two independent reasons first argue discriminates speech establishes buffer zones clinics perform abortions second petitioners contend act exempting clinic employees agents favors one viewpoint abortion either arguments correct act must satisfy strict scrutiny must least restrictive means achieving compelling state interest see playboy entertainment group respondents argue act survive exacting standard justice scalia objects decision consider whether statute content based thus subject strict scrutiny given ultimately conclude narrowly tailored post opinion concurring judgment think unexceptional perform first part multipart constitutional analysis first prong ward test logically antecedent prong determines appropriate level scrutiny unusual proceed sequentially applying constitutional test even preliminary steps turn dispositive see bartnicki vopper holder humanitarian law project concluding law content based even though ultimately survived strict scrutiny sometimes assume without deciding law subject less stringent level scrutiny earlier term mccutcheon federal election commission plurality opinion slip distinction case one seems clear applying standard review intermediate scrutiny mccutcheon standard assumed apply required overruling precedent similar reason forgo ordinary order operations case time good reason address content neutrality discussing whether act narrowly tailored see part iv infra identify number alternative measures massachusetts legislature might adopted apply abortion clinics raises question whether provisions content neutral see infra need endorse measures odd consider possible alternatives presumptively unconstitutional content based thus subject strict scrutiny act applies reproductive health care facility defined place within upon grounds hospital abortions offered performed mass laws ch given definition petitioners argue virtually speech affected act speech concerning abortion thus rendering act content based brief petitioners disagree begin act draw distinctions face contrast boos barry ordinance prohibiting display within feet foreign embassy sign tends bring foreign government carey brown statute prohibiting residential picketing except peaceful labor picketing act content based required enforcement authorities examine content message conveyed determine whether violation occurred league women voters supra whether petitioners violate act depends say humanitarian law project supra simply say indeed petitioners violate act merely standing buffer zone without displaying sign uttering word true course limiting buffer zones abortion clinics act inevitable effect restricting speech speech subjects brief petitioners quoting facially neutral law become content based simply may disproportionately affect speech certain topics contrary regulation serves purposes unrelated content expression deemed neutral even incidental effect speakers messages others ward supra question case whether law without reference content regulated speech renton playtime theatres quoting virginia pharmacy board virginia citizens consumer council emphasis deleted massachusetts act stated purpose increase forthwith public safety reproductive health care facilities mass acts respondents articulated similar purposes namely public safety patient access healthcare unobstructed use public sidewalks roadways brief respondents see app testimony attorney general coakley testimony captain william evans boston police testimony mary beth heffernan undersecretary criminal justice affidavit captain evans case objective indication shows provision primary purpose restrict speech opposes abortion post previously deemed foregoing concerns content neutral see boos identifying congestion interference ingress egress need protect security concerns obstructed access congested sidewalks problems matter caused group individuals obstruct clinic access clog sidewalks much loiter protest abortion counsel patients clear act content neutral concerned undesirable effects arise direct impact speech audience isteners reactions speech ibid example speech outside massachusetts abortion clinics caused offense made listeners uncomfortable offense discomfort give commonwealth justification restrict speech problems identified commonwealth however arise irrespective listener reactions whether single person reacts abortion protestors chants petitioners counseling large crowds outside abortion clinics still compromise public safety impede access obstruct sidewalks petitioners really dispute commonwealth interests ensuring safety preventing obstruction general matter content neutral petitioners note interests apply outside every building state hosts activity might occasion protest comment abortion clinics brief petitioners choosing pursue interests abortion clinics petitioners argue massachusetts legislature evinced purpose single regulation speech one particular topic abortion reply brief infer purpose act limited scope broad reach statute help confirm enacted burden narrower category disfavored speech see kagan private speech public purpose role governmental motive first amendment doctrine chi rev time however adopt laws address problems confront first amendment require regulate problems exist burson freeman plurality opinion massachusetts legislature amended act response problem experience limited abortion clinics record crowding obstruction even violence outside clinics apparently similar recurring problems associated kinds healthcare facilities let alone every building state hosts activity might occasion protest comment brief petitioners light limited nature problem reasonable massachusetts legislature enact limited solution selecting among various options combating particular problem legislatures encouraged choose one restricts less speech justice scalia objects statute restrict speech necessary one massachusetts abortion clinic known beset problems statute supposedly addresses post grounds inferring discrimination simply legislature acted respect abortion facilities generally rather proceeding basis facts poor fit noted justice scalia goes question narrow tailoring consider see infra petitioners also argue act content based exempts four classes individuals mass laws ch one comprises employees agents reproductive healthcare facility acting within scope employment exemption petitioners say favors one side abortion debate thus constitutes viewpoint discrimination egregious form content discrimination rosenberger rector visitors univ particular petitioners argue exemption allows clinic employees agents including volunteers escort patients arriving boston clinic speak inside buffer zones course true exemption otherwise permissible regulation speech may represent governmental give one side debatable public question advantage expressing views people city ladue gilleo quoting first nat bank boston bellotti least record us however statutory exemption clinic employees agents acting within scope employment appear attempt nothing inherently suspect providing kind exemption allow individuals work clinics enter remain within buffer zones particular exemption regarded simply clinic escorts also covers employees maintenance worker shoveling snowy sidewalk security guard patrolling clinic entrance see app affidavit michael baniukiewicz given need exemption clinic employees scope employment qualification simply ensures exemption limited purpose allowing employees jobs performs function identical scope employment restriction exemption law enforcement ambulance construction utilities public works municipal agents contrary suggestion justice scalia post little reason suppose massachusetts legislature intended incorporate common law doctrine developed determining vicarious liability tort used phrase scope employment wholly different purpose defining scope exemption criminal statute limitation instead makes clear respect clinic employees municipal agents exempted individuals allowed inside zones perform acts authorized employers suggestion record clinics authorize employees speak abortion buffer zones scope employment limitation thus seems designed protect exactly sort conduct petitioners justice scalia fear petitioners testify litigation instances escorts boston clinic expressed views abortion women accompanying thwarted petitioners attempts speak hand literature women disparaged petitioners various ways see app unclear petitioners testimony whether alleged incidents occurred within buffer zones viewpoint discrimination problem incidents occurred outside zones petitioners equally free say whatever like area even assuming incidents occurred inside zones record suggest involved speech within scope escorts employment speech beyond scope employment alleged incidents violate act express terms petitioners complaint police failing enforce act equally clinic escorts cf hoye city oakland finding selective enforcement similar ordinance oakland california allegations might state claim official viewpoint discrimination go validity act event petitioners nowhere allege selective enforcement different question turned clinic authorized escorts speak abortion inside buffer zones see post alito concurring judgment case escorts seem violating act speech within scope act exemption clinic employees facilitate speech one side abortion debate clear form viewpoint discrimination support challenge buffer zone clinic record us contains insufficient evidence show exemption operates way clinics perhaps clinics want doom act allowing employees speak abortion within buffer thus conclude act neither content viewpoint based therefore need analyzed strict scrutiny iv even though act content neutral still must narrowly tailored serve significant governmental interest ward internal quotation marks omitted tailoring requirement guard impermissible desire censor government may attempt suppress speech disagrees message expressed also mere convenience certain speech associated particular problems silencing speech sometimes path least resistance demanding close fit ends means tailoring requirement prevents government readily sacrific ing speech efficiency riley national federation blind time place manner regulation narrowly tailored must burden substantially speech necessary government legitimate interests ward regulation unlike restriction speech need least restrictive least intrusive means serving government interests government still may regulate expression manner substantial portion burden speech serve advance goals noted respondents claim act promotes public safety patient access healthcare unobstructed use public sidewalks roadways brief respondents petitioners dispute significance interests moreover previously recognized legitimacy government interests ensuring public safety order promoting free flow traffic streets sidewalks protecting property rights protecting woman freedom seek services schenck network western see also madsen women health center buffer zones clearly serve interests time buffer zones impose serious burdens petitioners speech three planned parenthood clinics petitioners attempt counsel patients zones carve significant portion adjacent public sidewalks pushing petitioners well back clinics entrances driveways zones thereby compromise petitioners ability initiate close personal conversations view essential sidewalk counseling example uncontradicted testimony mccullen explained often distinguish patients passersby outside boston clinic time initiate conversation enter buffer zone app even manage begin discussion outside zone must stop abruptly painted border believes causes appear untrustworthy suspicious given limitations mccullen often reduced raising voice patients outside zone mode communication sharply odds compassionate message wishes convey clark gave similar testimony experience worcester clinic burdens petitioners speech clearly taken toll although mccullen claims persuaded women terminate pregnancies since amendment app pet cert also says reaches far fewer people amendment app zarrella reports even precipitous decline success rate estimated successful interactions years amendment single one since worcester clinic clark testified one woman make effort walk across street speak buffer zones also made substantially difficult petitioners distribute literature arriving patients explained petitioners boston readily identify patients enter zone often approach time place literature near hands effective means getting patients accept worcester springfield zones pushed petitioners far back clinics driveways longer even attempt offer literature drivers turn parking lots short act operates deprive petitioners two primary methods communicating patients appeals respondents wrong downplay burdens petitioners speech appeals saw constitution accord special protection close conversations handbilling first amendment guarantee speaker right particular form expression forms normal conversation leafletting public sidewalk historically closely associated transmission ideas others context petition campaigns observed communication effective fundamental perhaps economical avenue political discourse meyer grant see also schenck supra invalidating floating buffer zone around people entering abortion clinic partly ground prevented protestors communicating message normal conversational distance handing leaflets people entering leaving clinics walking public sidewalks handing leaflets advocacy politically controversial viewpoint essence first amendment expression form speech entitled greater constitutional protection mcintyre ohio elections see also schenck supra leafletting commenting matters public concern classic forms speech lie heart first amendment government makes difficult engage modes communication imposes especially significant first amendment respondents also emphasize act prevent petitioners engaging various forms protest chanting slogans displaying signs outside buffer zones brief respondents misses point petitioners protestors seek merely express opposition abortion inform women various alternatives provide help pursuing petitioners believe accomplish objective personal caring consensual conversations good reason easier ignore strained voice waving hand direct greeting outstretched arm record indicates petitioners able number quiet conversations outside buffer zones respondents refuted petitioners testimony conversations far less frequent far less successful since buffer zones instituted thus answer say petitioners still seen heard women within buffer zones women see hear vociferous opponents abortion buffer zones effectively stifled petitioners message finally respondents suggest worcester springfield clinics petitioners prevented communicating patients buffer zones fact patients arrive car park clinics private lots true layout two clinics prevent petitioners approaching clinics doorways even without buffer zones petitioners claim right trespass clinics property instead claim right stand public sidewalks driveway cars turn parking lot buffer zones must stand substantial distance away act alone responsible restriction ability convey message buffer zones burden substantially speech necessary achieve commonwealth asserted interests outset note act truly exceptional respondents amici identify state law creates fixed buffer zones around abortion course mean law invalid however raise concern commonwealth readily forgone options serve interests well without substantially burdening kind speech petitioners wish engage case commonwealth interests include ensuring public safety outside abortion clinics preventing harassment intimidation patients clinic staff combating deliberate obstruction clinic entrances act contains separate provision subsection unchallenged petitioners prohibits much conduct provision subjects criminal punishment ny person knowingly obstructs detains hinders impedes blocks another person entry exit reproductive health care facility mass laws ch massachusetts determines broader prohibitions along lines necessary enact legislation similar federal freedom access clinic entrances act face act subjects criminal civil penalties anyone force threat force physical obstruction intentionally injures intimidates interferes attempts injure intimidate interfere person person order intimidate person person class persons obtaining providing reproductive health services dozen done see brief state new york et al amici curiae commonwealth particularly concerned harassment also consider ordinance one adopted new york city prohibits obstructing access clinic also makes crime follow harass another person within feet premises reproductive health care facility admin code commonwealth points substantial public safety risk created protestors obstruct driveways leading clinics see app however example failure look less intrusive means addressing concerns obstruction readily addressed existing local ordinances see worcester revised ordinances ch person shall stand place obstruction kind upon street sidewalk crosswalk manner obstruct free passage travelers thereon boston municipal code ch person shall solicit walking standing going street highway used motor vehicle travel area appurtenant thereto including medians shoulder areas bicycle lanes ramps exit ramps foregoing measures course addition available generic criminal statutes forbidding assault breach peace trespass vandalism like addition subsection act face act new york city ordinance enforceable criminal prosecutions also public private civil actions injunctions equitable relief see mass laws admin code previously noted first amendment virtues targeted injunctions alternatives broad prophylactic measures injunction regulates activities perhaps speech group group past actions context specific dispute real parties madsen emphasis added moreover given equitable nature injunctive relief courts tailor remedy ensure restricts speech necessary see schenck short injunctive relief focuses precise individuals precise conduct causing particular problem act contrast categorically excludes individuals buffer zones unnecessarily sweeping innocent individuals speech commonwealth also asserts interest preventing congestion front abortion clinics according respondents even individuals deliberately obstruct access clinics inadvertently simply gathering large numbers commonwealth address problem targeted means localities example ordinances require crowds blocking clinic entrance disperse ordered police forbid individuals reassemble within certain distance clinic certain period see brief state new york et al amici curiae upheld similar law forbidding three people congregate within feet foreign embassy refuse disperse ordered police boos quoting code order police give believe threat security peace embassy present quoting finzer barry cadc extent commonwealth argues even types laws ineffective another problem portions record respondents cite support anticongestion interest pertain mainly one place one time boston planned parenthood clinic saturday mornings app respondents point us evidence individuals regularly gather clinics times boston sufficiently large groups obstruct access problem shown arise week one city one clinic creating buffer zones every clinic across commonwealth hardly narrowly tailored solution point massachusetts must enact even proposed measures discussed point instead commonwealth available variety approaches appear capable serving interests without excluding individuals areas historically open speech debate respondents one reply tried approaches work respondents emphasize history massachusetts obstruction abortion clinics commonwealth allegedly failed attempts combat obstruction injunctions individual prosecutions also point commonwealth experience version act police found difficult enforce zones given frenetic activity front clinic entrances brief respondents according respondents history shows massachusetts tried less restrictive alternatives buffer zones avail accept contention although respondents claim massachusetts tried laws already books identify single prosecution brought laws within least last years also claim commonwealth tried injunctions last injunctions cite date see citing planned parenthood league bell mass planned parenthood league operation rescue mass short commonwealth shown seriously undertook address problem less intrusive tools readily available shown considered different methods jurisdictions found effective respondents contend alternatives discussed suffer two defects first given widespread nature problem simply practicable rely individual prosecutions injunctions brief respondents far widespread problem appears record limited principally boston clinic saturday mornings moreover account police appear perfectly capable singling lawbreakers legislative testimony preceding act revealed substantial police video monitoring clinics especially large gatherings anticipated captain evans testified officers familiar scene outside boston clinic know players app attorney general coakley relied video surveillance show legislators conduct thought clearly law commonwealth officials compile extensive record obstruction harassment support preferred legislation see support injunctions prosecutions might deliberately flout law second supposed defect alternatives identified laws like subsection act federal face act require showing intentional deliberate obstruction intimidation harassment often difficult prove brief respondents captain evans predicted legislative testimony fixed buffer zones make job much easier app course enough satisfy first amendment meet requirement narrow tailoring government must demonstrate alternative measures burden substantially less speech fail achieve government interests simply chosen route easier painted line sidewalk easy enforce prime objective first amendment efficiency case think showing intentional obstruction nearly difficult context respondents suggest determine whether protestor intends block access clinic police officer need order move refuses question continued conduct knowing intentional similar reasons respondents reliance decision burson freeman misplaced upheld state statute established buffer zones outside polling places election day within one display distribute campaign materials solicit votes approved buffer zones valid prophylactic measure noting existing ntimidation interference laws fall short serving state compelling interests blatant specific attempts impede elections quoting buckley valeo per curiam laws insufficient oter intimidation election fraud difficult detect burson obstruction abortion clinics harassment patients contrast anything subtle also noted burson state law law enforcement officers generally barred vicinity polls avoid appearance coercion electoral process result many acts interference go undetected police maintain significant presence outside massachusetts abortion clinics buffer zones burson justified less restrictive measures inadequate respondents shown case given vital first amendment interests stake enough massachusetts simply say approaches petitioners wish converse fellow citizens important subject public streets sidewalks sites hosted discussions issues day throughout history respondents assert undeniably significant interests maintaining public safety streets sidewalks well preserving access adjacent healthcare facilities commonwealth pursued interests extreme step closing substantial portion traditional public forum speakers done without seriously addressing problem alternatives leave forum open purposes commonwealth may consistent first amendment judgment appeals first circuit reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered scalia concurring judgment eleanor mccullen et petitioners martha coakley attorney general massachusetts et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit june justice scalia justice kennedy justice thomas join concurring judgment today opinion carries forward practice giving advocates pass comes suppressing rights opponents entirely separate abridged edition first amendment applicable speech abortion see hill colorado madsen women health center second half analysis today invalidating law issue inadequate tailoring certainly attractive us oppose edition first amendment think opinion something everyone significant portion continues onward march jurisprudence first half analysis concludes statute sort content based hence subject strict scrutiny reaches decide question unnecessarily least unnecessarily insofar legal analysis concerned disagree dicta part iii hence see reason opine holding part iv discussion unnecessary gratuitous portion today opinion part iii concludes seven pages purest dicta subsection massachusetts reproductive health care facilities act specifically directed speech opposing even concerning abortion hence need meet standard applicable speech inasmuch part iv holds act unconstitutional survive lesser level scrutiny associated time place manner regulations principled reason majority decide whether statute subject strict scrutiny months past found unnecessary parse differences two available standards statute challenged first amendment grounds fail even less demanding test mccutcheon federal election plurality opinion slip changed since quite simple abortion case mccutcheon engaging constitutional dictum reaching wrong result majority preserve ability jurisdictions across country restrict antiabortion speech without fear rigorous constitutional review dart pleat regulations sure satisfy tailoring standards applied part iv majority opinion cites two cases proposition unusual proceed sequentially applying constitutional test even preliminary steps turn dispositive ante citing bartnicki vopper holder humanitarian law project cases provide little cover disagreement among members whether statutes question discriminated basis thus little harm answering constitutional question logically antecedent ante present case however content neutrality far clear divided parties vigorously dispute point see ibid one thought avoid issue simply assuming without deciding logically antecedent point done often see herrera collins regents univ ewing board curators univ mo horowitz points opinion goes suggest part iv possible alternatives apply abortion clinics therefore raises question whether provisions content neutral ante course obligation provide advice alternative speech restrictions appending otherwise unnecessary constitutional pronouncements advice produces nothing impermissible advisory opinion way dictum favorable advocates abortion rights even part iv invites massachusetts means satisfying tailoring requirement consider ordinance one adopted new york city makes crime follow harass another person within feet premises reproductive health care facility ante quoting admin code harassment one wonders eleanor mccullen ask woman quietly politely two times whether take literature whether questions three times four times seems far certain first amendment rights imperiled threatening jail time reproductive health care facilit ies course vague offense follow ing harass ing wrong give approval legislation without benefit briefing argument ii statute content based fails strict scrutiny eagerly volunteered take question provides wrong answer petitioners argue two reasons subsection articulates speech restriction must therefore evaluate lens strict scrutiny application abortion clinics first petitioners maintain act targets practical purposes speech applies outside abortion clinics rather outside buildings well public streets sidewalks traditional forums speech matters public concern therefore acknowledges hold position terms first amendment protection ante quoting grace moreover public spaces outside facilities ha become necessity virtue decisions forum last resort oppose abortion hill scalia dissenting blinks reality say majority blanket prohibition use streets sidewalks speech one politically controversial topic likely occur speech effectively communicated content based exempt strict scrutiny law banning access streets sidewalks surrounding site republican national convention used annually commemorate civil rights marches outside internal revenue service surely majority says correctly enough facially neutral speech restriction escapes strict scrutiny even may disproportionately affect speech certain topics long justified without reference content regulated speech ante internal quotation marks omitted cases previously found standard satisfied particular renton playtime theatres ward rock racism majority cites far cry confronts us renton upheld zoning ordinance prohibiting adult theaters within feet residential neighborhoods churches parks schools ordinance content neutral held purpose suppress pornographic speech qua speech rather mitigate secondary effects adult theaters including prevent ing crime protect ing city retail trade maintain ing values reasoned city concerned restricting message purveyed adult theaters tried close restrict number rather circumscribe choice location quoting young american mini theatres powell concurring part ward turn involved new york city regulation requiring use city sound equipment technician events bandshell central park held regulation content neutral principal justification city desire control noise levels justification nothing respondent rock concerts music generally regulation ha material impact performer ability exercise complete artistic control sound quality see also compare cases reasons concluding regulations question justified without reference content regulated speech feeble reasons majority adoption conclusion present case majority points statute stated purpose increasing abortion clinics ante quoting mass acts additional aims articulated respondents namely protecting access healthcare unobstructed use public sidewalks roadways ante quoting brief respondents really statute become justified without reference content regulated speech simply statute defending say every objective indication shows provision primary purpose restrict speech opposes abortion begin suggested fact act burdens public spaces outside abortion clinics one might expected majority defend statute peculiar targeting arguing locations regularly face safety access problems says act designed solve majority make argument untrue belatedly discovers part iv opinion statute applies abortion clinics massachusetts one known beset problems statute supposedly addresses see ante uses striking fact smoking gun speak basis concluding law insufficiently tailored safety access concerns part iv rather basis concluding directed concerns suppression antiabortion speech rather like invoking eight missed human targets shooter killed one victim prove guilty attempted mass murder bad aim whether statute restrict speech necessary light problems allegedly addresses ante sure relevant tailoring component first amendment analysis shooter doubtless bad aim also relevant powerfully relevant whether law really directed safety access concerns rather suppression particular type speech showing law suppresses speech specific subject applies even asserted problems present persuasive evidence law content based zeal treat speech special category majority distorts first amendment also ordinary logic probative inferences structure act also indicates rests concerns goals public safety patient access healthcare unobstructed use public sidewalks roadways brief respondents already achieved subsection statute provides criminal penalties ny person knowingly obstructs detains hinders impedes blocks another person entry exit reproductive health care facility majority recognizes provision easy enforce see ante thus zones carved subsection add nothing safety access achieve obviously designed achieve suppression speech opposing abortion contradicting fanciful defense act fact subsection enacted easily enforceable substitute prior provision exclude people entirely restricted areas around abortion clinics rather forbade people areas approach within six feet another person without person consent purpose passing leaflet handbill displaying sign engaging oral protest education counseling person west majority acknowledges provision modeled colorado law upheld hill ante case recognized statute question directed suppression unwelcome speech vindicating hill called unwilling listener interest avoiding unwanted communication held interest content neutral provision issue indisputably meant serve interest protecting citizens supposed right avoid speech rather hear reason granted second question review case though one know opinion fails mention whether hill cut back cast aside see pet cert stating second question presented hill permits enforcement law whether hill limited overruled granting certiorari without reservation majority avoids question declaring act content neutral entirely unpersuasive grounds concluding statute content based therefore subject strict scrutiny necessarily conclude hill overruled reasons set forth dissents case see scalia kennedy abundance scathing academic commentary describing hill stands contradiction first amendment protecting people speech want hear function first amendment allows government undertake public streets sidewalks one final thought regarding hill argued argued next case stating act content neutral concerned undesirable effects arise isteners reactions speech ante quoting boos barry brackets original holding act unconstitutional insufficiently tailored safety access concerns sub silentio perhaps inadvertently overruled hill unavoidable implication holding protection unwelcome speech justify restrictions use public streets sidewalks exemption employees agents petitioners contend act targets speech opposing abortion thus constitutes presumptively invalid restriction another reason well exempts employees agents abortion clinic acting within scope employment goes without saying ranting waivers favored speakers denying disfavored speakers course unconstitutional thomas chicago park opinion sets forth inquiry assessing whether regulation content based comes assessing exemption employees agents forgets teaching opinion jumps right prong asks whether provision draw distinctions face ante instead proceeds directly prong see asking whether exemption represent governmental attempt give one side debatable public question advantage expressing views people ante internal quotation marks omitted disagree majority negative answer question beside point text statute whatever purposes might license one side debate fight freestyle requiring follow marquis queensberry rules paul serious doubt employees agents acting within scope employment near clinic entrances may indeed often speak favor abortion right thing speak opposition message abortion opponents saying example safe facility rebut statement see tr oral arg contrary assumption simply incredible majority makes attempt establish necessary proposition employees agents engage nonspeech activities directed suppression antiabortion speech hampering efforts counselors speak prospective clients believe clinic employee sent escort prospective clients building seek prevent counselor like eleanor mccullen communicating pull woman away approaching counselor cover ears make loud noises drown counselor pleas points exemption may allow zones clinic employees escorts maintenance worker shoveling snowy sidewalk security guard patrolling clinic entrance ante doubt massachusetts legislators people mind whether event irrelevant whatever activity permitted long statute permits speech favorable abortion rights excluding antiabortion speech discriminates basis viewpoint takes peculiar view long clinics specifically authorized employees speak favor abortion presumably impede antiabortion speech viewpoint discrimination see ibid axiomatic words employed statute time meaning common law law country presumed used sense unless context compels contrary standard oil phrase scope employment concept includes range reasonable activities employee engages carrying employer business black law dictionary ed employer need specifically direct sanction aspect employee conduct qualify see restatement second agency see also restatement third agency comment indeed employee conduct qualify even employer specifically forbids see restatement second case implausible clinics bar escorts engaging sort activity mentioned moreover statute forbids one side convey message become viewpoint neutral simply favored side chooses voluntarily abstain activity statute permits shadow doubt assigned foreseeable conduct clinic employee agent include speaking favor abortion rights countering speech people like petitioners see post alito concurring judgment indeed majority acknowledges trial record includes testimony escorts boston clinic expressed views abortion women accompanying thwarted petitioners attempts speak hand literature women disparaged petitioners various ways including calling ante citing app surprise web site planned parenthood league massachusetts operates three abortion facilities petitioners attempt counsel women urges readers become clinic escort order provide safe space patients escorting protestors health center volunteer internship opportunities online https optlink view erformid newjoblist erformcode visited june available clerk case file dangers web site attributes protestors related entirely speech safety access protestors reports hold signs try speak patients entering building distribute literature misleading ibid safe space provided escorts protection speech going bad worse majority opinion contends record us contains insufficient evidence show escorts actually spoken favor abortion presumably hindered antiabortion speech acting within scope employment ante brave new first amendment test speech restrictions favoring one viewpoint another content based unless shown favored viewpoint actually expressed city ordinance closing park adjoining republican national convention speakers except whose remarks approved national committee thus subject strict scrutiny unless shown someone given remarks suggest test conclusion sum act reviewed standard applicable legislation standard requires regulation represent least restrictive means furthering compelling government interest playboy entertainment group internal quotation marks omitted respondents even attempt argue subsection survives test see ante suffice say protecting people unwelcome communications actual purpose provision compelling state interest first amendment dead letter hill scalia dissenting iii narrow tailoring determined act content based withstand strict scrutiny need pursue inquiry conducted part iv opinion whether statute tailored serve significant governmental interest ante quoting ward internal quotation marks omitted suppose taking given erroneous conclusion part iii suspect agree majority legislation narrowly tailored advance interests asserted respondents prefer take part assembling apparent specious unanimity leave plainly unnecessary erroneous half arguably correct half analysis majority obvious purpose challenged portion massachusetts reproductive health care facilities act protect prospective clients abortion clinics hear speech public streets sidewalks provision thus unconstitutional root branch saved majority suggests limiting application single facility experienced safety access problems quite obviously addressed concur judgment statute unconstitutional first amendment alito concurring judgment eleanor mccullen et petitioners martha coakley attorney general massachusetts et al writ certiorari appeals first circuit june justice alito concurring judgment agree massachusetts statute issue case mass laws ch west violates first amendment recognizes massachusetts law discriminates basis viewpoint unconstitutional see ante believe law clearly discriminates ground massachusetts statute generally prohibits person entering buffer zone around abortion clinic clinic business hours law contains exemption employees agents facility acting within scope employment thus business hours individuals wish counsel abortion criticize particular clinic may within buffer zone engage conduct commit crime see contrast employees agents clinic may enter zone engage conduct falls within scope employment clinic may direct authorize employee agent within zone express favorable views abortion clinic employee exercises authority employee conduct perfectly lawful short petitioners critics clinic silenced clinic may authorize employees express speech support clinic work consider entirely realistic situation woman enters buffer zone heads haltingly toward entrance sidewalk counselor petitioners enters buffer zone approaches woman says doubts abortion let try answer questions may clinic give good information time clinic employee instructed management approaches woman says come inside give honest answers questions sidewalk counselor clinic employee expressed opposing viewpoints first violated statute suppose issue abortion safety particular facility suppose recent report botched abortion clinic nonemployee may enter buffer zone warn clinic health record employee may enter tell prospective clients clinic safe clear face massachusetts law discriminates based viewpoint speech favor clinic work employees agents permitted speech criticizing clinic work crime blatant viewpoint discrimination holds massachusetts law viewpoint neutral also discriminate based content see ante treats massachusetts law like one bans speech within buffer zone law content neutral face circumstances law forbidding speech particular location content neutral fact suppose example facially law enacted purpose suppressing speech particular topic law content neutral see turner broadcasting system fcc case think possible reach judgment intent massachusetts legislature without taking account fact law legislature enacted blatantly discriminates based viewpoint light feature well overbreadth identifies see ante said based present record law content neutral even exemption clinic employees agents excised however law truly content neutral agree law still unconstitutional ground burdens speech necessary serve commonwealth asserted interests footnotes zone extended additional feet width act smaller area marked however area legal effect see mass laws ch different analysis course required government property issue traditional public forum instead forum limited use certain groups dedicated solely discussion certain subjects pleasant grove city summum less two weeks instant litigation initiated massachusetts attorney general office issued guidance letter clarifying application four exemptions letter interpreted exemptions permitting clinic employees agents municipal employees agents individuals passing clinics express views abortion engage partisan speech within buffer zone app interpretation supports conclusion employee exemption render act viewpoint based consider analysis appears broaden scope act criminal statute rather adopt construction ward rock racism quoting hoffman estates flipside hoffman estates course hold peech restrictions favoring one viewpoint another content based unless shown favored viewpoint actually expressed post instead apply uncontroversial principle constitutional adjudication plaintiff generally prevail challenge without showing law fact sufficiently likely unconstitutionally applied specifically someone challenges law viewpoint discriminatory clear face law speakers allowed speak must show prevented speaking someone espousing another viewpoint permitted justice scalia decry analysis astonishing quoting sentence explicitly limited challenges treating relevant facial challenges ibid leading historian noted form pamphlets much important characteristic writing american revolution appeared revolutionary generation predecessors back early sixteenth century pamphlet peculiar virtues medium communication seen pamphlet allowed one things possible form bailyn ideological origins american revolution amici identify five localities laws similar act brief state new york et al amici curiae massachusetts also separate law prohibiting similar kinds conduct medical facility though law unlike act requires explicit notice penalty may imposed mass laws ch give approval alternatives discuss post merely suggest law like new york city ordinance principle constitute permissible alternative whether law pass constitutional muster depend number factors whether term harassment authoritatively construed avoid vagueness overbreadth problems sort noted justice scalia find act narrowly tailored need consider whether act leaves open ample alternative channels communication need consider petitioners overbreadth challenge footnotes reiterate challenged provision person shall knowingly enter remain public way sidewalk adjacent reproductive health care facility within radius feet portion entrance exit driveway facility within alternative rectangular area mass laws ch west statute defines reproductive health care facility place within upon grounds hospital abortions offered performed claims mccutcheon declined consider rigorous standard review applying required overruling precedent ante hardly distinguishes present case since discussed later text conclusion legislation escapes strict scrutiny violence great swath first amendment jurisprudence see bartnicki agree petitioners well pennsylvania analog fact law general applicability rehnquist dissenting correctly observes law general brackets original humanitarian law project section regulates speech basis content breyer dissenting statute applies criminal penalties least arguably basis distinctions think scrutinize statute justifications hill inexplicable standard grounds shameful upheld piece legislation reasoning gave constitutional law symposium professor michael mcconnell response pepperdine rev think hill difficult case think simple wrong remarks laurence tribe list go make assertion quoting sentence explicitly limited challenges treating relevant facial challenges ante sentence question appears paragraph immediately following rejection facial challenge begins different question turned clinic authorized escorts speak abortion inside buffer zones ante prior discussion regarding facial challenge points fact suggestion record clinics authorize employees speak abortion buffer zones ante sure paragraph question goes concede statute constitutionality applied depend upon explicit clinic authorization even seems wrong saying voluntary action third party cause otherwise valid statute violate first amendment applied seems little better saying cause statute violate first amendment facially statute punishes speaking unless chooses speak unconstitutional facially applied without reference action