Here’s What Is Next After Roe
Here is an overview of Family Council’s plans now that Roe v. Wade has been reversed.
Circuit Court Upholds Law Preventing State of Arkansas from Doing Business With Companies That Boycott Israel
On Thursday the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a law prohibiting the State of Arkansas and its public entities from doing business with companies that boycott Israel.
In 2017 the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 710.
The law generally prohibits public entities in Arkansas from contracting with or investing in businesses that boycott Israel.
The law applies to state government, state agencies, state boards and commissions, political subdivisions of the state, public retirement systems, and public colleges and universities.
As a result of the law, any state contract valued over $1,000 must contain a clause stating that the contractor will not boycott Israel.
Following Act 710’s passage, Arkansas Times and the ACLU sued, arguing that the law places an unconstitutional condition on government contracts and compels speech.
U.S. District Judge Brian Miller in Little Rock dismissed the lawsuit, but the case was appealed to the Eighth Circuit.
On Thursday the circuit court upheld the law as constitutional.
The decision said the law did not violate the First Amendment, noting that, “[Act 710] does not ban Arkansas Times from publicly criticizing Israel, or even protesting the statute itself. It only prohibits economic decisions that discriminate against Israel.”
Arkansas’ Leaders Respond to Reversal of Roe
On Friday the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision reversing Roe v. Wade by a vote of 6-3.
Arkansas’ pro-life leaders and elected officials issued statements in response to the ruling.
Family Council President Jerry Cox said,
This is historic. There are people who have dedicated their entire lives to reversing Roe v. Wade. It’s incredible to see that happen. Today’s Supreme Court decision recognizes that Roe v. Wade was wrong from the very beginning. As long as this ruling stands and our pro-life laws are enforced, thousands of unborn babies will be saved from abortion in Arkansas and elsewhere every year. That’s a reason to celebrate.
Arkansas Right to Life Director Rose Mimms said,
I want to say thanks be to God who made this day happen. . . . We are going to fight with everything we have to keep Arkansas a pro-life state and to make our nation a pro-life country.
“Roe was a tragic mistake, taking from the American people and their elected representatives a deeply moral question. The Supreme Court has finally corrected this mistake and I highly commend the millions of Americans who toiled for years to achieve this great victory for unborn life and self-government.”
U.S. Senator John Boozman said,
“This is a long-awaited, consequential day for our nation. The Supreme Court’s decision to affirm there is no constitutional right to indiscriminately sacrifice the lives of children in their mothers’ wombs is the culmination of decades of work to correct the tragic, deadly lie that unborn babies are expendable and undeserving of protection. I’m pleased to have helped confirm justices to our nation’s highest court who are committed to interpreting the Constitution in a manner that is consistent and true to its intent and meaning. With this ruling, the American people will finally have the opportunity to enact their will on this issue instead of unelected judges in Washington, D.C. I am proud of Arkansas’s steadfast commitment to defend the sanctity, dignity and value of every human life, including vulnerable children who deserve our compassion and care.”
U.S. Congressman French Hill (AR-02) tweeted:
As a man of faith and as a father, I have always and will continue to support policies that uplift families and value life. I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today, that elevates life by affirming that there is no constitutional right to an abortion.
U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-03) wrote:
The dignity and value of each human life has been upheld. This decision rightfully restores the American people’s ability to protect babies and recognizes the science-backed truths of the humanity of the unborn. The Supreme Court’s duty is to follow the Constitution and enact jurisprudence based in fact. Today, reason—not bullying and intimidation tactics—prevailed. Arkansans celebrate knowing the innocent lives and morality at the heart of this case have been given a voice.
U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) wrote:
“I am ecstatic to see the U.S. Supreme Court today rectify its 1973 decision by reversing Roe v. Wade and sending the issue of abortion back to the States,” said Rep. Westerman. “Life is a right. Abortion is not. Our system of government is not based on unelected judges creating a right that doesn’t exist in the Constitution. A new day has dawned in America, and many innocent lives will be saved in the years to come. Make no mistake, we must help struggling women and ensure they have every resource they need throughout and after pregnancy. Women will always have choices. As many as two million U.S. families are looking to adopt at any given time, while roughly 700,000 abortions are performed each year. Each of these precious lives could have a family ready and willing to provide a loving home. I look forward to a day when all Americans reject the horrors of abortion in their own states to ensure the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every child.”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said,
For decades I have said Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. Today, the Supreme Court overturned the abortion ruling and returned the issue to the states. Arkansas is a pro-life state, and we are able now to protect life.