Some Florida lawmakers have responded to a leaked draft opinion that indicates that the Supreme Court plans to overturn Roe v. Wade, a case that guaranteed the right to an abortion nationwide. It points to a challenge to a Mississippi law that would ban nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
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The draft opinion was obtained and published by POLITICO on Monday, and was written by conservative Justice Samuel Alito. The ruling is not final, and justices may change their votes before the court officially makes a decision.
In response to the leaked draft opinion, some local Democratic lawmakers have announced they will be organizing rallies aroud the state. This includes Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Congressman Charlie Crist, who are both running for governor, as well as Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani. Eskamani said she is unable to rally in person due to having COVID-19, but encouraged her followers to show up and spread the word.
In a video posted to Twitter, Fried said the news is "so disturbing and so dangerous," and asked her followers to find unwavering pro-choice candidates in states with Republican governors to show support.
We can’t sit on the sidelines as they strip our rights.
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) May 3, 2022
Meet me at Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd in Miami at 1:45pm
Event link: https://t.co/BRsHTNBfmW pic.twitter.com/JkriYiAr9P
Crist, who was the state's governor from 2007 to 2011, and was a Republican but has switched parties twice, tweeted: "This issue is personal to so many of us. Early in my career I was faced with the decision to protect a woman’s right to choose. I stopped a bill in the State Senate that would have required a 24 hour waiting period."
Now, more than ever, we need to stand up and fight to protect a women's right to choose.
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) May 3, 2022
Join me and activists at the Pinellas Courthouse today at 5 PM! https://t.co/dxCO1uedbu
Eskamani tweeted a video of her remarks during a virtual press conference this morning, where she said: “I think it’s really important that abortion access becomes a litmus test for good government. That if you care about freedoms, then you should understand why the freedom to make decisions about your pregnancy are so critical to our American and Florida values.”
I might have COVID but nothing will slow me down from fighting for abortion access, especially with this leaked #SCOTUS opinion. See part of my remarks from today’s 10am virtual press conference and become a #TeamAnna volunteer at https://t.co/QASNwcZ8nM pic.twitter.com/wDbxRaoILl
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) May 3, 2022
There has been a national call to action for protests of the leaked #SCOTUS opinion ending #Roe. @PPSWCF will be hosting the event in Orlando & it’ll be at Orlando City Hall at 5pm. I won’t be there due to having COVID, but please spread the word & share. https://t.co/CuTGiq3hDg pic.twitter.com/nJapZpIDxZ
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) May 3, 2022
Rep. Val Demings also tweeted in support of abortion rights.
As a woman of faith, I believe in the dignity and worth of every person. That’s why I will always defend a woman’s right to choose her own destiny.
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) May 3, 2022
Florida Republicans tweeted in opposition of abortion rights, including Sen. Rick Scott, who said in a tweet: "The Supreme Court’s confidential deliberation process is sacred & protects it from political interference."
The Supreme Court's confidential deliberation process is sacred & protects it from political interference. This breach shows that radical Democrats are working even harder to intimidate & undermine the Court. It was always their plan. The justices cannot be swayed by this attack. https://t.co/S5eMGO0dxd
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) May 3, 2022
Sen. Marco Rubio also tweeted:
Democrat leftists demand we protect our “norms” & defend our “democracy” unless our norms and democracy result in an outcome they don’t like
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 3, 2022
Republican State Rep. Jackie Toledo released the following statement in a press release: “The leak of the Supreme Court opinion is a betrayal intended to undermine our government. I support the Chief Justice’s investigation. We don’t know what the opinion ultimately will be, but I can tell you where I stand on this issue, we must protect life! In the Florida Legislature this year we passed a ban on abortions after 15 weeks and I voted for legislation supporting parent’s rights to be involved if a minor seeks an abortion. In Congress, I will continue to fight for the women, families and the rights of the unborn.”