BOSTON
RED
CLOAKS
Our lively podcast connects you with reproductive justice leaders, artists and activists across America. The podcast began by tracking passage of Massachusetts legislation called the ROE Act. Along the way, we learned from organizers across America who are fighting similar fights & we invite you to join us.
Our "Extra Innings" episodes asked who would show up for reproductive justice. In the end, a supermajority of legislators showed up. The Governor - who claimed to be 'pro-choice' - turned his back. He vetoed the legislation, using his power to try to stop the removal of sexist, racist and harmful barriers in existing laws.
*****
1/17/19 ROE Act legislation was introduced.
1/12/20 the MA House voted 108 - 49 in support of budget amendment #759.
11/18/20 the MA Senate voted 33 - 7 in support of budget amendment #801. E
12/16/20 House voted 107-49 to reject Baker's amendments. Senate joined them. Baker received the re-enacted legislation.
12/24/20 Baker vetoed the legislation, refusing to compromise.
The Massachusetts legislature was presented with the ROE Act in January 2019. It was a 2 year process, with plentiful constituent participation.
We thank the Massachusetts legislators who voted YES to pass provisions of the ROE Act.
On December 29, 2020 new legislation was enacted in Massachusetts that expands access to abortion, improves reproductive health and freedom, and helps remove sexist and racist barriers that have been embedded in our laws since 1974 when anti-choice legislators forced their values into the statutes. The MA Senate joined the House in overriding Baker's 12/24/20 veto.
Courage calls to courage everywhere
We support the ROE Act and ROE Act provisions in the Fiscal 2021 Budget Section 40 as delivered to Governor Baker December 4, 2020. Our petition grew from spring to November, reaching over 9,000 signatures.
COVID has posed additional challenges to safely petition our legislators and Governor.
We have sought new ways to speak out on important issues, including socially distant protests.
We collaborated with the founders of #RuthSentUs and activists across the United States to support a national day of action on October 25, 2020. We staged a peaceful demonstration at the Massachusetts State House in Boston asking our legislators and Governor to take action to secure access to abortion in the Commonwealth. The loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg further jeopardizes the safety and health of pregnant people. Our Constitutional rights are at risk.
ACTIVITIES
Boston Red Cloaks is using art to advocate. Join us! Listen in on RED CLOAKS RADIO.
GET THE FACTS
All about the ROE Act.
Information you need to be up to speed on the ROE Act. There is still time to make a difference. Don't let this opportunity pass us by. Pass the ROE Act!
COUNTDOWN
Will they or won't they?
Boston Red Cloaks is following legislative attention to the ROE Act closely. You can too. Listen in to our podcast.
ROE Act 96 Seconds Pass it on
