Prop A: The Travel Ban

The recent ordinance passed in Amarillo, often called the “Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn” ordinance, has raised significant concerns not only about reproductive rights but also about personal freedoms. This ordinance doesn’t just regulate local matters; it tries to control what Amarillo residents do in other states, effectively acting as a travel ban. We’re here to explain why this ordinance is a threat to your rights and why you should understand the impact of Proposition A as you’re headed into the upcoming election.

Amarillo residents regularly travel to New Mexico for various reasons—whether it’s to gamble or purchase and use marijuana, both of which are legal activities in New Mexico. These activities are fully regulated by New Mexico’s laws, and Amarilloans face no legal consequences when they return to Texas. However, the ordinance attempts to criminalize similar actions when it comes to seeking healthcare options, like abortion, in states where it is legal. This inconsistency highlights the flawed logic behind the ordinance and its discriminatory focus on reproductive rights.

One of the most fundamental rights protected by the U.S. Constitution is the right to travel. This right allows individuals to move freely between states without fear of legal consequences upon their return. The Amarillo ordinance directly challenges this by attempting to impose local laws on residents even when they are in other states where different laws apply. This is not just an overreach; it’s a violation of constitutional principles.

In 1968, the Supreme Court ruled in Shapiro v. Thompson that "the nature of our Federal Union and our constitutional concepts of personal liberty unite to require that all citizens be free to travel throughout the length and breadth of our land uninhibited by statutes, rules, or regulations which unreasonably burden or restrict this movement."

The language of the ordinance is clear in its overreach: “...regardless of the location of the abortion, regardless of the law in the jurisdiction where the abortion occurred...” This means that the ordinance seeks to enforce Amarillo’s local laws on residents even when they are visiting other states. This is a dangerous precedent that could lead to a patchwork of conflicting laws and erode the principles of federalism.

The ordinance even goes so far to include components of “extraterritoriality.” This means that the ordinance’s restrictions are intended to apply beyond Amarillo’s city limits. This could be used to target and potentially incriminate individuals who are not residents of Amarillo. This is a clear attempt to extend the reach of this ordinance. This raises significant legal concerns about overreach and the potential for lawsuits against individuals who have no direct ties to Amarillo other than their interaction with someone who resides here.

Moreover, the ordinance prohibits the sharing of information related to abortion, which restricts freedom of speech. This is yet another example of how the ordinance oversteps its bounds, infringing on the rights of Amarillo residents.

The ordinance doesn’t just violate constitutional rights; it also fosters a culture of surveillance and distrust by encouraging neighbors to sue each other over alleged violations. This kind of intrusion into our personal lives is not only harmful but also undermines the sense of community in Amarillo.

The ordinance encourages neighbors to sue each other over these things, driving a wedge between community members and undermining trust. This is not the kind of community we want to build in Amarillo.

As Amarillo residents, it’s crucial to recognize that this ordinance is not just about restricting access to abortion; it’s about controlling what you can do, where you can go, and how you can live your life. The “Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn” Prop A ordinance is a travel ban in disguise, a blatant case of government overreach that infringes on your fundamental rights.

To protect your right to travel freely and make personal decisions without government interference, join ARFA in educating Amarillo about this ordinance—volunteer with us, donate to support our efforts, and sign up for our email list to stay informed. Together, we can safeguard our freedoms and ensure that Amarillo remains a place where personal rights are respected..