Local

Here’s why 500 gathered Saturday at Bellingham City Hall

By Robert Mittendorf
Julie Guy, 96, said she had an abortion in the 1950s because she and her husband thought it wasn’t the right time. “It was totally illegal,” she said. She was one of the about 500 people who joined an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation.
Julie Guy, 96, said she had an abortion in the 1950s because she and her husband thought it wasn’t the right time. “It was totally illegal,” she said. She was one of the about 500 people who joined an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald

About 500 people rallied for reproductive rights Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of Bellingham City Hall at an event held by political action group Indivisible Bellingham.

The event coincided with the Women’s March national days of action in many cities across the country Saturday, including Seattle, to demand the right to abortion one month before midterm elections.

Candidates and elected representatives were among the speakers:

“We are not stupid and we won’t vote for people who will take away our rights,” said state Rep. Sharon Shewmake, D-Whatcom County, who is running for the state Senate seat in the 42nd District.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, endorsed ending a time limit on the Equal Rights Amendment and making it law. “We have to stay focused on breaking down barriers for all people.” He is running for re-election in the U.S. 2nd Congressional District, which will include all of Whatcom County in 2023.

“This is not about caring for women and girls. This is about controlling them,” said Bellingham City Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, quoting the poet Amanda Gorman.

About 500 people joined at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation.
About 500 people joined at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald
“They’re coming for absolutely all of us,” said Amelia Bonow, founder and director of Shout Your Abortion, at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation.
“They’re coming for absolutely all of us,” said Amelia Bonow, founder and director of Shout Your Abortion, at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall that coincided with Women’s March for reproductive rights rallies across the nation. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald
“This is not about caring for women and girls. This is about controlling them,” said Bellingham City Council member Kristina Michele Martens, quoting the poet Amanda Gorman, at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall in Bellingham.
“This is not about caring for women and girls. This is about controlling them,” said Bellingham City Council member Kristina Michele Martens, quoting the poet Amanda Gorman, at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall in Bellingham. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald
Planned Parenthood was one of the organizations represented at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham that coincided with the Women’s March for reproductive rights Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall.
Planned Parenthood was one of the organizations represented at an event held by Indivisible Bellingham that coincided with the Women’s March for reproductive rights Saturday, Oct. 8, in front of City Hall. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald

This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 10:27 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER