MINUTES 05-06-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Marilyn Kopp of Feminists for Life stated her opposition to Resolution 9071-19. She stated that her organization believes abortion is a symptom of other systemic societal failures and they do not support it. Father Kevin Elbert of St. Luke's Catholic Church stated his opposition to Resolution 9071- 19. He stated that life starts at conception and believes that the resolution is a political stunt. Todd Harshman of 1473 Robinwood Ave. stated his opposition to Resolution 9071-19 and added that there was a significant portion of the population in Lakewood that supported Senate Bill 23. Stacie Hackel Snow of 2198 Chesterland Ave. stated her support of Resolution 9071-19 and her opposition to Senate Bill 23. Michelle Soukup of 1523 Chesterland Ave. stated her opposition to Resolution 9071-19 and asked all councilmembers to vote against it. Ms. Coletta Graham of 1286 Chase Ave. stated her opposition to Resolution 9071-19. Mr. Aaron Boron of 17540 Madison Ave. stated his opposition to Resolution 9071-19 and support for Senate Bill 23. Councilman O'Malley cited one of the first speakers references to the American College of Pediatricians and stated that the referenced organization is a conservative political organization composed of a few dozen members. Its primary goal is to advocate against gay adoption and the organization is listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Their name is intended to confuse them with the American Academy of Pediatricians which has 65,000 members and follows mainstream medical practices. Mr. O'Malley also cited the Council's ability to handle the tasks of running the city while speaking out on issues that are important to people. Councilwoman George stated her opposition to Senate Bill 23 and believes it infringes on women's rights, highlighting the lack of consideration for pregnancy that results from rape or incest. She added that it is unacceptable that lawmakers have essentially made a woman's decision for her when it comes to having an abortion. Councilman Rader stated his support for Resolution 9071-19 and that government should stay out of the business of regulating women's bodies. He added that he will look for ways to better promote services for women here in Lakewood. Councilman Litten stated that the issue is being decided on state and federal levels of government and that his responsibility and the responsibility of the body is to focus on local issues brought forward by local residents. He indicated he will be abstaining from voting on the resolution.