Today is a devastating day for America as we take another step back from protecting the rights of all people. Now more than ever, our voices matter. Our money matters. Our VOTES matter. It is up to us to speak out for equality, for equity, and for justice. Up to us to hold our government accountable. It is up to us to never stop fighting for the rights of all.
With the U.S. Supreme Court eliminating the constitutional right to abortion by overturning the landmark #RoeVWade case today, there is a strong chance that rights for the LGBTQ+ community will be next.
Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion, pointed to specific cases like Obergefell v. Hodges (legalizing marriage equality) and Lawrence V. Texas (eliminating sodomy bans and same-sex sexual conduct) that should be reconsidered. In their dissent, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, and Elena Kagan made it clear that the court will not stop at this case: "No one should be confident that this majority is done with its work. The right that Roe and Casey recognized does not stand alone."
Others are echoing the concerns. In a tweet, @aclu_nationwide lawyer and activist @chasestrangio stated: "States will be criminalizing health care for #trans people long before Obergefell or Lawrence are overturned. So hold a full #queer analysis in this moment. And center the fight for bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.”
We at Eugene Pride stand with and for all those whose rights to healthcare and equality are being stolen. We will continue to support the organizations in our community providing life-saving and necessary services like reproductive care, abortions, harm reduction, gender-affirming treatment, and more. We hope our community can #StandTogether and fight for the rights of ALL! #BeProudOutLoud
For resources for accessing abortions in OR, WA, ID, or AK, check out Northwest Abortion Access Fund. Cascades Abortion Support Collective is another resource for abortion support in Oregon. Local services, resources, and information about abortions and reproductive health can also be found at Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon. If you need help accessing abortion care, call the National Abortion Hotline at 1-800-772-9100.
Register to vote in Oregon by visiting this link.