Close to 300 people total were on both sides of East Sixth between Mechanic and Market on Saturday, showing their support for one of two sides in the abortion issue.
The vast majority — around 250 — took part in a Vote No rally outside White Auditorium against a constitutional amendment designed to let lawmakers, not the Kansas Supreme Court, have the final say on abortion rights and funding. Rally organizer Alexis Lowder says she used to be against abortion before changing her mind.
Several speakers were at the podium, including 60th District Kansas House candidate Mic McGuire, who vowed to fight for abortion rights. Also among those on hand was Don Hill, a longtime businessman and former Kansas House representative. He says the rally continued his pro-choice support he demonstrated while in the Legislature.
The gathering outside the Emporia Public Library was smaller and more subdued. Organized by New Life Christian Church, the gathering included prayers and a silent vigil. New Life Pastor Chester Morris says that prayerful approach was by design.
What’s called the Value Them Both amendment, if passed, would have state lawmakers regulate abortion rights through legislative action. It would essentially overrule the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision several years ago saying there is a constitutional right to abortion in Kansas. A no vote supports the current state of operations, including the Supreme Court’s assertion on abortion and its constitutional right in Kansas.
The primary is Aug. 2. Voter registration ends Tuesday. Advance voting begins Wednesday by mail ballot and July 18 at the Lyon County Courthouse.
