The Dignity of Democracy: No on Issue 1
On August 8th, Ohio voters will decide on Issue 1, which would raise the threshold of approving constitutional amendments to 60%, up from its current required simple majority. At Trinity Cathedral, we have advocated for the current proposed amendment to protect reproductive rights, so we know well that this is a targeted attempt to disrupt a democratic process which could assure access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. I encourage you to vote, and to vote no on this issue.
Though The Episcopal Church honors a diversity of faithful responses to the question of abortion, we are very clear that no governmental action should restrict a woman’s right to make decisions regarding reproductive healthcare, and act on those decisions.
Approval of this issue would likely set in stone recent restrictions on individual decisions regarding healthcare. Yet it would also amplify the damage to our democracy by further locating power in the hands of a minority of citizens and prevent the kind of regular and responsive change that allows a constitution to be a living institution that honors the freedoms and dignity of all Ohioans.
Is this a political issue, and should the church be involved? The answer is: yes, and yes. It is a question of how we choose to live together as citizens, and it is a question of how we honor the freedom and dignity that God envisions for all of us.
Those putting the issue forward in August are relying on low turnout to disrupt a democratic process, so I encourage you – regardless of how you choose to vote – to make a plan to vote on or before August 8.
Yet I join Greater Cleveland Congregations in encouraging you to vote NO, and to invite others to do the same.
