Minnesotans Call Attention to Supreme Court on its Opening Day
Reproductive Rights, Civil Liberties, Environmental Protection addressed. Saint Paul, Minnesota - The U.S. Supreme Court began a new session today amid rumors of the retirement of one or more of the Justices. At noon, on the south steps of the state capitol building in Saint Paul, a diverse coalition of Minnesota groups and supporters rallied to show the Supreme Court's impact on basic American freedoms. Rallies and press conferences are being held by other state affiliates of NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) across the country today. It has been eight years since the last vacancy on an increasingly conservative Supreme Court, the longest such period in 178 years. President Bush could be in the position to appoint 1, 2, or possibly 3 new Justices to the Court. Even one conservative nominee could swing the direction of the Court in profound ways. Speakers at the rally included:
- Tim Stanley, executive director of Minnesota NARAL
- Sharon Stephens, chairwoman of North Star Sierra Club legal committee
- Chuck Samuelson, executive director of Minnesota Civil Liberties Union
- Rebecca Thoman, executive director of Citizens for a Safer Minnesota
- Ann Marie DeGroot, executive director of OutFront Minnesota "As Minnesotans we stand up to voice our support for Roe v. Wade. This landmark ruling is in peril," said Tim Stanley, executive director of Minnesota NARAL. "In the last abortion-related case, the Court was split 5-4. Three current Justices, Scalia, Thomas, and Rehnquist, are on record as supporting a reversal of Roe v. Wade. We are here today because we could be one Bush-appointment away from a return to the days of dangerous and illegal back-ally abortions." Contact: Tim Stanley 651-602-7655 ###
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