The Florida Supreme Court's major ruling Monday will allow voters to weigh in on whether to amend the state's constitution to protect abortion rights until the point of viability.
Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, Democrats across the country have seen the benefits in elections. Pro-abortion rights candidates and ballot measures have outperformed expectations based on past election results. Florida Democrats are hoping the same is true here this cycle, after Republicans shellacked the minority party in 2022.
Of course, 60% of voters will need to approve the language for it to take effect. But just a spike in turnout could greatly impact the election, even if the measure ultimately falls short.
Below is a compilation of reactions coming following the Florida Supreme Court's decision.
— Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz: "I applaud the Florida Supreme Court's decision today to allow a ballot initiative protecting abortion rights in the Sunshine State. Everyone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, and this referendum gives women the opportunity to voice that opinion."
— Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones: "Abortion IS healthcare, and every Floridian should be able to access the care they need without government interference. I applaud the organizers and advocates who gathered over 900,000 signatures to reach this moment and get this important measure on the ballot. This decision belongs with the people of Florida — not politicians. Extreme, draconian laws that limit or ban access to reproductive healthcare endanger the health and lives of Floridians and belong nowhere near our books. I look forward to working with the campaign team to mobilize voters across the state between now and November as we defend the fundamental right to bodily autonomy. "
— Democratic state Sen. Linda Stewart: "Yes on 4 Florida has worked hard to get this amendment on the ballot, and they fought harder against those who would like to see women's freedom and autonomy taken away from them. I am glad the Supreme Court of Florida ruled in favor of taking the initiative to the people, and I hope to see further protections for women's rights. There is nothing unclear about the choice being given to Floridians this upcoming November. Now is the time to register to vote and ensure our rights in the state's constitution."
— Democratic state Rep. Kristen Arrington: "Wow! I kinda can't believe it. The Florida Supreme Court just ruled the Reproductive Freedom ballot initiative is CONSTITUTIONAL and will appear on the ballot this November. This is a BIG DEAL, but our hard work is just beginning. Not only does this initiative need to receive more than 60% of the vote this November, but we know the Republican majority in Tallahassee will never stop trying to strip reproductive freedom away from Floridians. The initiative will be won at the ballot box, but that's not enough... we MUST elect legislators who stand-up to these bullies who want to take away your choice and your voice. We have to not only break the Republican supermajority, but also unelect the Republicans who work every day to take away your rights."
— Democratic state Rep. Tom Keen: "I'm glad the Florida Supreme Court has cleared the way for this important ballot initiative to move forward, and I urge my fellow Floridians to make sure they are ready to vote in November."
— Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell: "The Supreme Court's decision to endanger the lives of millions of women in Florida by banning abortion before most women know they're pregnant is outrageous and dangerous," Mucarsel-Powell said. "Yet Rick Scott proudly stated he would have signed this ban — a ban with hardly any exceptions — into law if he were governor. Floridians are tired of extreme politicians who want to take away our freedoms. It has never been more important for us to show up this November to put an end to government interference, vote to protect abortion rights in Florida, and stop Rick Scott from passing a national abortion ban."
— Republican congressional candidate Anthony Sabatini: "The members of the Florida Supreme Court that voted to allow the ambiguous pro-abortion amendment to be put on the ballot should be impeached & also NOT retained in the next election"
— Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power: "We are very disappointed that a deceptively worded pro-abortion amendment is allowed to appear on Florida's ballot in November. If passed, it will allow abortions up to 6 months of pregnancy and, thanks to a loophole, even to point of birth. Florida will become the most pro-abortion state in the southern U.S. That is NOT what Florida wants, and the Republican Party of Florida will fight to inform voters on the dangers of this amendment. It is of no surprise that Nikki Fried and the Florida Democrats will be celebrating this radical pro-abortion amendment on the ballot because their extreme agenda knows no bounds. FL Dem Chair Fried was even afraid to truthfully answer the simple question of whether a man could get an abortion. Florida voters know better and they will reject the radical agenda being pushed by FL Dems this November."
— Yes on 4 Florida, which sponsored the proposed referendum: "Today the Florida Supreme Court ruled that Amendment 4 meets the requirements for this year's ballot. Floridians WILL get a chance to vote to reject government interference with abortion. Celebrate by joining us on April 13th in Orlando!"
— The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: "Now Florida women are facing an even stricter abortion ban, and their right to make their own health care decisions will literally be on the ballot this November. The fight against these new restrictions on access to abortion will shine a brighter spotlight on Rick Scott's long, dangerous record of supporting draconian abortion bans. In November, Florida voters will stand up for women's freedom to make their most personal medical decisions by rejecting this abortion ban and firing Rick Scott from the Senate."
No comments:
Post a Comment