Article Author:
Associated Press
Kurt Anderson
ST. PETER THARG, Fla. (AP) — Florida prosecutors were suspended Sunday by Gov. Ron DeSantis over his 15-week abortion ban and pledge not to enforce the state's support of gender reassignment treatment for minors. pledged to oppose the punishment.
Andrew Warren, a Democrat who was fired from his two-time state attorney job in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, last week said in a Facebook video his message and news his release, On Sunday he said he planned a "strong defense". The legal team declined to provide details.
"I won't go down without a fight," Warren said in the video. "I refuse to trample on this man's freedom to voice your opinion, make decisions about his own health care, and validate votes."
Warren said Thursday, Nov. was suspended by DeSantis, a Republican running for reelection and a potential 2024 presidential candidate. The governor claimed it was because Warren signed a statement with dozens of other prosecutors across the country pledging not to pursue criminal charges against people seeking or providing abortion or sex change treatment.
Warren argued Sunday that the governor was essentially seeking to nullify the will of the Tampa-area voters who elected him in 2016 and 2020.
The people of this county share my vision for criminal justice, have trusted my judgment, and have seen your success. DeSantis is trying to take my job to do my job.”
Under Florida law, the Republican-controlled state Senate will reinstate Warren. or has the power to uphold his removal. Warren could also take his case to court.
The governor's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Sunday. But DeSantis said Thursday that Warren was acting "above the law" and "demonstrates a lack of ability" to perform his office duties. I don't think people want a fundamentally woke agenda where they decide that their views on social justice mean that certain laws shouldn't be enforced," he said.
Florida's new abortion restrictions went into effect on his July 1st, pending court challenges by abortion providers and allies. Abortion is prohibited after the 15th week of pregnancy, except when it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, prevent serious injury, or when there is a fatal fetal abnormality. No exemption will be granted if the pregnancy was caused by rape, incest, or trafficking.
Violators may face up to five years in prison. The doctor or other medical professional will lose his license and for each offense he could be fined $10,000 administratively.
Florida has not enacted a law criminalizing sex reassignment treatment for minors.
DeSantis has Susan Lopez, the Hillsborough County Judge's girlfriend, on Warren's suspension. appointed as a representative of
