Standing on the steps of the Suffolk County Supreme Court building Riverhead, amid a crowd that had swelled to several hundred Wednesday, Candace Alexandra Hall of Greenport spoke about the gravity of the moment facing the country.
“This is vital to all of us,” she said. “This is not just a woman’s issue. This is a health issue for everyone.”
Ms. Hall, who ran for Southold Town Clerk in last year’s election, served as emcee for the Rally for Reproductive Freedom, the latest local protest following the U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that had provided federal Constitutional protection for a woman’s right to abortion for nearly 50 years.
The rally, which had been postponed from Monday due to inclement weather, drew a large turnout Wednesday and was organized by the Democratic committees of the five East End towns.
Protesters lined the steps of the county court building and chanted phrases “my body, my choice,” “my rights now,” and more. Many also held signs reading … [more]