City Council Declares Philadelphia a “Pro-Choice” City—Then Changes its Mind

[Lobster Martini]

Another proud moment for Philadelphia's City Council:

Council repeals 'pro-choice city' resolution

<snip>

City Council yesterday rescinded its week-old proclamation that Philadelphia is a "pro-choice city," putting an end to a purely symbolic debate that drew the attention of Cardinal Justin Rigali and roiled Council as few other issues had in months.

The original resolution, passed by a narrow 9-8 vote, was repealed by a vote of 13-4. Five Council members flipped sides after public criticism and Rigali's objections.

Sponsored by Democratic Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, the resolution stated that Philadelphia supports "women's reproductive rights and freedom" and defends "the right to choose a legal and safe abortion as a final but critical option for women."

Like most Council proclamations, the resolution would have had no impact on city policy, but that didn't stop Council members from spending considerable time weighing it in their final week before the summer recess.

"I'm angry with myself for not abstaining," said Councilman Jim Kenney, who last week voted for the resolution. "It's not something I think we should have forced on the public at large."

A clear Council majority, including Kenney, supports abortion rights. But by yesterday, few members felt it was appropriate for Council to weigh in on a controversial matter that is well out of the city's jurisdiction.

"I think that we should stay away from issues like this that cause division in our city," said Councilman Frank Rizzo, who sponsored the harshly worded repeal.

Asked whether the episode had been a Council embarrassment, Rizzo said, "I believe so." (LM: Yeah, embarrassment is a fair description.)

<snip>

A resolution that would have declared Philadelphia pro-choice and pro-life was withdrawn by its sponsor, Councilman Brian O'Neill. (LM: Now there’s a principled politician!)

<snip>

The five members of City Council who courageously voted for a symbolic resolution and courageously voted to repeal it a week later:

Jim Kenney
Frank DiCicco
Donna Reed Miller
Daniel Savage
W. Wilson Goode Jr.

(Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20070615_Council_repeals_pro-choice_city_resolution.html)

[T Wolf]

1. Yeah - cannot possibly have a statement that supports the

LAW OF THE LAND!!!

The Catholics who run the city ignore the separation of church and state when it suits their purpose.

[onehandle]

2. Consider if they had declared it a "Pro-Life" city.

Do you think anyone would have a problem with that?

[T Wolf]

3. No one that they would have responded to by reversing the decision. nt