Right to Free Speech vs. Right to Privacy

[Trigger warning for invasion of privacy; harassment.]

Attention, ladies: Do not date Greg Fultz—unless you want your private medical history advertised on billboards:

A New Mexico man's decision to lash out with a billboard ad saying his ex-girlfriend had an abortion against his wishes has touched off a legal debate over free speech and privacy rights.

The sign on Alamogordo's main thoroughfare shows 35-year-old Greg Fultz holding the outline of an infant. The text reads, "This Would Have Been A Picture Of My 2-Month Old Baby If The Mother Had Decided To Not KILL Our Child!"

Fultz's ex-girlfriend has taken him to court for harassment and violation of privacy. A domestic court official has recommended the billboard be removed.

But Fultz's attorney argues the order violates his client's free speech rights.

"As distasteful and offensive as the sign may be to some, for over 200 years in this country the First Amendment protects distasteful and offensive speech," Todd Holmes said.

Seems to me that the same country puts a premium on privacy rights, and even has some additional specific considerations around privacy and healthcare. But who gives a fuck about that when a "jilted boyfriend" wants to have his say, right?

The decision will be appealed in District Court.

[H/T to KatherineSpins.]