In a move that critics are calling a flagrant abuse of power, Florida’s Department of Health is threatening to bring criminal charges against local TV stations airing a campaign ad to overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban signed by Gov.

U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday denounced threats made by a Florida agency against broadcast TV stations for airing advertisements in support of an abortion rights referendum.

Florida’s Department of Health is threatening local television stations with criminal prosecution if they do not stop airing an ad in support of an abortion rights ballot

We’re seeing some of these things happening right now in Florida. The example I’m about to share with you legitimately shocked me. (That’s a high bar.) It’s about the pro-choice ballot amendment which would restore Roe protections in Florida if it reaches a 60% threshold.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday denounced threats made by a Florida agency against broadcast TV stations for airing advertisements in support of an abortion rights referendum.

“The right of broadcasters to speak freely is rooted in the First Amendment,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “Threats against broadcast stations for airing content that conflicts with the government’s views are dangerous and undermine the fundamental principle of free speech.”

Threats against broadcast stations for airing content that conflicts with the government’s views are dangerous and undermine the fundamental principle of free speech,” the FCC chairwoman said.

Rosenworcel said that the threats by a Florida state agency “undermine the fundamental principle of free speech”