Fort Worth suburb could become ‘sanctuary city’ for the unborn by banning abortions
Two council members are proposing that Keller become a “sanctuary city” for the unborn, meaning it would be illegal to allow abortions there, although it is not against the law in Texas.
On Tuesday, the city council is expected to discuss the issue during an executive session.
Rachel Reynolds, a spokeswoman for the city, said that the issue could come up for a vote at the March 17 council meeting.
Council members Tag Green and Chris Whatley put the item on the agenda, she said. Green is also running for mayor in the May 2 election.
Green declined to comment on his reasons for putting the sanctuary for the unborn item on the agenda because it is listed as an executive session item.
“This is simply for the matter of discussing the legal aspects of this with the city attorney in executive session”, Green said.
Green’s Facebook campaign page has posts criticizing abortion rights. The post referred to a news story on whether it is ethical to farm octopi for food.
“It is evidence of a distorted world view when we ask if it is ethical to farm octopi for culinary purposes because of their intellect yet defend the killing of human babies and Planned Parenthood’s harvesting of infant organs, stem cells, and tissue,” he wrote.
Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union sued seven East Texas towns that passed anti-abortion ordinances, declaring that they are sanctuary cities for the unborn.
The suit was filed on behalf of the Lilith Fund and the Texas Equal Access Fund, alleging that the ordinances violated the abortion rights groups’ free speech and their ability to educate and advocate. The suit also alleges that the anti-abortion ordinances are meant to confuse the public.
“Abortion is a constitutional right in every city and county in Texas. It would be unwise for officials in Keller to risk significant liability over an unconstitutional ordinance being peddled by anti-abortion extremists. Elected officials should not be in the business of trying to dictate the political or religious views of their constituents,” said Anjali Salvador, staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas.
Although the council is not expected to vote Tuesday night, people wishing to speak for or against the proposal can participate during the public comments portion of the meeting.
This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 1:35 PM.