As the organizers of the women’s rights protests we sensed the outrage in the community and wanted to help focus it in a productive way. Our goal was to provide a platform for Virginians to take coordinated and individual action and speak out against these injustices whether through their voices, their bodies or through their silence. We appreciate the diversity of tactics taken at today’s protest and are amazed with the overwhelming response we received.
At this time there are 28 out of 34 arrestees still in custody. We have received reports of inhumane treatment during the over 4 hours in holding. We urge the police to drop all charges and release everyone immediately. As the protest organizers, we believe that all Virginians can exercise their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble. The fact that this infringement of our rights took place on our own state capital is a constitutional atrocity.
We sent the clear message, to the legislators and Governor McDonnell, that we will not accept these laws now, next year, or ever and if they continue this assault on women’s rights, they will be met with an even stronger, wiser and more organized force.
We also have a WebPay online donations account for the arrestees at today's protest. Any left over funding will be donated to the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project or the Capitol Area Women's Health Network. Here is the link to the WebPay account:
https://www.wepay.com/donations/legal-fund-for-m3-speak-loudly-with-silence
Thanks everyone!!!
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