APPLETON — An Outagamie County Board member refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance Tuesday in protest of the Supreme Court ruling ending protection for women seeking an abortion.
“I feel very strongly in the equality and bodily autonomy of women. I cannot stand for the pledge until women have equal rights under the law,” Outagamie County Board Member Sara MacDonald wrote on Facebook. “This isn’t about disrespecting the flag, the military, or the country. If anything, it is the opposite. It is an act of love.
Wisconsin now reverts to an 1849 state law that bans doctors from performing abortions, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
MacDonald and Calumet County Board member Emily Voight are encouraging others “who are angry about the loss of women’s rights” to sit down during the pledge at committee and county board meetings as a form of peaceful protest.
“Only those who truly love this nation will fight to make it better, more inclusive for all. Not advocating and not taking a stance is the easy way out,” MacDonald said. “That’s not who I am. I stand up for what I believe in, and will advocate for myself and those around me to make our country a better place.”
Read more on MacDonald’s Facebook page HERE.
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