Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Pro-choice advocates “STAND UP. FIGHT BACK.” at the Supreme Rally for Women’s Rights
On July 8th, Massachusetts Women’s Political
Caucus joined many other women’s organizations at the Supreme Rally for Women’s
Rights in Boston City Hall Plaza to express disapproval of the recent US
Supreme Court decisions which limited access to reproductive health care. As a
sponsor, MWPC mobilized pro-choice citizens, made demonstration signs, and helped
set up for the event. The outpouring of
support from the pro-choice community was phenomenal, with hundreds in
attendance making their voices heard.
Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, a former MWPC Board
Member and endorsed candidate, emceed the rally. Councilor Pressley’s passion
and charisma set the tone, firmly proclaiming, “You should be angry. Hell, it’s
mandatory to be angry about injustice.” She introduced leaders in the fight for
women’s rights who spoke at the invent including but not limited to Attorney
General Martha Coakley, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Governor Deval Patrick,
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts Executive Director Megan Amundson, and Planned
Parenthood League of Massachusetts President Mary Walz. All spoke of their
dismay at the recent Supreme Court rulings in the cases of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and McCullen
v Coakley, which rules against women’s rights in favor of religious freedom
and freedom of expression respectively. Speakers
were adamant that they were working tirelessly to combat these decisions with
new legislation that will bolster and protect the right of women to access
reproductive health care. Governor
Patrick begged the crowd not to be discouraged but rather to use the
opportunity to “make a claim” on the government.
The Supreme Rally for Women’s Rights was emotionally
charged. Speakers and the crowd expressed anger and disappointment, but in
solidarity. The unity of the speakers, organizers, and demonstrators in purpose
and feeling, resonated of hope and inspiration. The rally cries rang in tune
with democracy in action. Though the Supreme Court made rulings were
fundamental setbacks for women’s rights, the Supreme Rally made clear how
Massachusetts pro-choice advocates will respond—“When women’s rights are under attack, what’ll we
do? STAND UP. FIGHT BACK.”
Allysha Roth
