SCFTU heads to city-wide vote

Photo: Amarillo Tribune

In a decisive 4-1 vote, our city council recently rejected an anti-abortion travel ban ordinance, a triumph for ARFA and a clear indication of our community's values. This ordinance, which sought to restrict travel for abortion services, was an affront to the principles of reproductive access and justice that we hold dear. While we celebrated this victory, we now face a new challenge: the ordinance's initiating committee has decided to place it on the ballot for a city-wide vote during the upcoming election in November.

This decision to bypass the council's rejection and put the measure directly to voters is deeply disappointing. It disregards the clear message sent by our elected representatives and seeks to impose an agenda that the majority of our city does not support. Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our belief the Amarillo community will once again stand up for reproductive rights.

We respect the democratic process and the right to petition, but we also recognize the importance of ensuring that every voter is fully informed about the implications of this ordinance. We are confident that, through education and advocacy, we can educate our community as this measure heads to the ballot box.

This proposed travel ban ordinance is not just a local issue; it is part of a broader national effort to undermine reproductive rights. By restricting access to abortion services, this ordinance would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color, who already face significant barriers to healthcare. We cannot allow this to happen in our city. Our community values inclusivity, compassion, and the right to make personal decisions without government interference.

In the coming months, our organization will be ramping up our efforts to educate the public about the dangers of this ordinance. We will be hosting informational sessions, distributing educational materials, and engaging with community members through various platforms. Our goal is to ensure that every voter understands the far-reaching consequences of this measure and is motivated to vote against it in November.

We believe in the power of collective action and community solidarity. The overwhelming support we received from the city council and our allies during the initial fight against the ordinance has been inspiring, and it reaffirms our faith in the values we share as a community.

As we prepare for the upcoming election, we encourage all members of our community to stay informed, get involved, and make their voices heard. This is not just a fight for reproductive rights; it is a fight for justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental American freedoms. We have faced challenges before, and we have always emerged stronger and more united. Let us continue to stand together and ensure that our city remains a place where our rights are respected and upheld.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this crucial cause. Together, we can make a difference for all of Amarillo.

Join us today and be a part of the movement for change.