"We Dissent"

June 27, 2022

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion after almost 50 years. The Supreme Court decision was immediately met with shock across the nation. Crowds gathered in cities like Washington, New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The community in Sarasota, FL was no different.

Community groups, leaders and families gathered near Selby Public Library in Five Points Park and marched through the streets of downtown to the Sarasota County Courthouse. This protest, organized by the Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida was one of many protests held across the U.S. as Americans united to mourn, organize and figure out the future implications of our rights.

(Courtesy Photos: Community gathers in Sarasota, FL on June 24 to protest the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Protest was organized by the Women's Voices of Southwest FL.)

At Venice Pride, Inc. we join with others to dissent this ruling. We recognize that this decision is impactful in the worst possible way for so many, including, women, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, Indigenous, poor and working people and those living in rural areas.

There are twenty-six states that are now positioned to ban abortion after this ruling. Florida, where you can still access an abortion, the days of having a legal abortion may be limited. Florida’s extreme 15-week abortion ban (with no exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking) will go into effect on July 1 – one more assault on our fundamental right to privacy and for women and their families to determine their own healthcare.

In partnership with many others, Venice Pride, Inc. is committed to raising awareness of this issue, the implications and advocating on behalf of social justice and equality.

“At a time when there are hundreds of pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation that have been introduced, or in some cases passed, in states across the country, we need to ensure that every person has access to the care they need, and the power to control their own body and life. We as a nation, and as human beings, deserve judges and elected officials - at all levels of government - who believe that as well,” said CenterLink CEO Denise Spivak.*

As we strengthen our commitment to the work for equality and social justice, we need to keep this ruling and the implications of it (including as it relates to women's rights, the LGBTQ+ community, voting rights and attacks against communities of color) in the forefront. We are stronger together! Only side by side, can we mourn this decision, advocate and mobilize to build an inclusive nation.