There was a crowd at the Christian County Justice Center Independence Day morning, as people gathered to peacefully protest.
The rally comes in response to the United States Supreme Court recently overturning Roe v. Wade, sending the decision concerning abortion back to the state level. Kentucky had a “trigger law” come into effect at once that bans most abortions in the state, except in the event the mother’s life is in danger. The standing of that law is currently up in the air however, as a Jefferson County Circuit Judge put it on hold—it is heading to the Kentucky Supreme Court to determine whether it will resume, after the Courts of Appeals denied a request to lift the pause from Attorney General Danial Cameron.
Sheila Smith-Anderson from Paducah says women have been fighting for a long time to have the same rights as the men in their lives, and the fight continues on today.
She says all people are created equal, and they should have equal rights to show it.
Human Rights Commission Executive Director Idalia Luna says there are many ways to help reduce abortions without banning it, including compassionate legislation.
More than just the subject of abortion was discussed at the rally—equal wages, healthcare, getting people registered to vote and more were among what the attendees were focused on, chanting and waving to cars that honked as they drove by.