Despite outcry from community, Monroe Council votes to fund Planned Parenthood
Local community members showed up today to oppose the Monroe County Council approving a grant to increase funding of the local Planned Parenthood in Bloomington, Indiana. Oppose abortion or not, one thing I can’t understand is the intolerance of public officials who wish to take local taxes to fund something that such a large number of community members oppose. Here’s what is happening thanks to tweets from a student reporter:
UPDATE: Despite outcry from community members, council votes 6-1 in favor of granting taxpayer money to local Planned Parenthood. Marty Hawk only dissenting vote.
Protestors and #PlannedParenthood supporters line the walls inside the council meeting @idsnews pic.twitter.com/pT99GrTV7E
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
To get some background on what is happening, read this. (You can also find contact info for the council members at the link.)
Council votes 6 to 1 in favor of granting Planned Parenthood $3,000. Audience members call council “damnable” @idsnews
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
@_lindsaymoore @idsnews Funds being fungible it’s rather upsetting to many community members (practicing Muslims, Jews, Christians and more)
— iroots.org activism (@irootsorg) August 25, 2015
@_lindsaymoore @idsnews Could the grant be given to a Community Health Center, where women’s health services are provided sans abortion?
— #BYURugby (@accounderson) August 25, 2015
Protestor raises his sign and demands that tax dollars do not fund #PlannedParenthood. Followed by applause @idsnews pic.twitter.com/mVzuWIJYni
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
“70% of all African American babies are aborted” – Carole Canfield tells HT reporter and PP worker pic.twitter.com/zuIn8Cecxr
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
IU Dean of Students Carol McCord makes an unplanned statement in support of funding #PlannedParenthood @idsnews pic.twitter.com/IhgpxyGeus
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
“I don’t mean this in a profane way or a vulgar way, but God Damn Planned Parenthood and God Damn any commission with it” @idsnews
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
“I am here tonight to warn you, you will face God for your decision” – Pastor Tim Bailey of Clearnote Church pic.twitter.com/b3PK7ATDfE
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
Not sure what kind of prayers these were:
“As a Christian let me tell you, #PlannedParenthood was the answer to my prayers” pic.twitter.com/EgER7QQkWn
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
Despite the outcome, it’s encouraging to know the local community came out to be heard:
Roughly 24 residents wish to make a public comment. Council agrees on 3 minute testimonies for each person. Here we go. @idsnews
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
Nine-year-old Rachel quotes Ronald Reagan: “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.” pic.twitter.com/WFW0x6U10D
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
A lot of babies present for this council meeting, both pro-life and pro-choice @idsnews
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
IU Feminist Student Association rep Morgan Mohr stands at the door with protesters at the council meeting @idsnews pic.twitter.com/8CDC9GfHzH
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015
Catholic and Protestant protesters in front of the courthouse before the Monroe County Council meeting @idsnews pic.twitter.com/XK3bcskfWr
— Lindsay Moore (@_lindsaymoore) August 25, 2015