"Compromise Reached In Bill To Criminalize Undercover Filming At Abortion Facilities"

christiannews.net

"A compromise has been reached in a controversial California bill that criminalized undercover filming at abortion facilities, as well as the publication of such material.

As previously reported, Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Echo Park) proposed the measure earlier this year in light of the undercover videos released by the Center for Medical Progress exposing Planned Parenthood’s provision of baby bodily organs to procurement companies.

'It is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation to prohibit any person from intentionally video recording a confidential communication, or disclosing or distributing that video-recording communication, without obtaining the consent of all parties to the communication,' A.B. 1671 reads. 

It criminalizes any person who 'intentionally discloses or attempts to disclose, or distributes or attempts to distribute, distributes, in any manner, in any forum, including, but not limited to, Internet Web sites and social media, or for any purpose, the contents of the a confidential communication with a health care provider.' 

Violations may result in up to a year behind bars and/or a $2,500 fine. Repeat offenders may face up to a $10,000 fine.

But publishing and broadcasting groups had expressed concern that journalists might be leveled with criminal penalties for reporting on the footage.

'A person aids and abets the commission of an offense when he or she, with knowledge of the unlawful purpose of the perpetrator and with the intent or purpose of committing, facilitating, or encouraging the commission of the offense, by act or advice, aids, promotes, encourages, or instigates the commission of the offense,' the bill read.

Talks with Gomez have now resulted in changes to the legislation so that only those who record the footage would be penalized."