FAST FACTS:
Several Mid-South activist groups got together to support each other's causes.
They say the lawmakers in Nashville have stripped rights of the most vulnerable.
Elected officials say their opponents have thrown "tolerance out the window."
natasha.chen@wreg.com
Twitter - natashanews3
Facebook.com/NatashaChenReports
(Memphis 6/1211) A protest on Sunday afternoon brought together several activist groups in an unprecedented unity rally.
"Justice for All" was the first event of its kind, attended by hundreds representing Planned Parenthood of Greater Memphis, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, AFSCME Local 1733, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Tennessee Equality Project, and Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.
"We're all fighting the same fight, basically," said Katie Smith, a women's health practitioner at Planned Parenthood.
At the steps of the First Congregational Church on Cooper Avenue, Smith explained that 25 percent of their funding comes from what's called Title 10. That federal funding, which goes directly to preventative health, is being taken away.
That money does not fund abortions.
Smith said those at risk of losing access to services are uninsured women and teens who have nowhere else to go for breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, HIV testing, birth control and education on sexually transmitted diseases.
Michelle Bliss, the co-chair of the Shelby County chapter of the Tennessee Equality Project, said legislation targeting any one minority group often results in "collateral damage."
In describing SB 632 and HB 600, Bliss said the bill repeals any local municipality's anti-discriminatory laws, if they exceed the protections offered by state and federal constitutions.
"You should treat other people the way you want to be treated, and when any of us lose a freedom, all of us are a little less free," she said.
Bliss said the legislature targeted the gay community, but inadvertently now have allowed for others to be marginalized, like those on supplemental security income, who can be denied housing based on where their money comes from.
Among the speakers on Sunday, a University of Memphis student spoke of immigrant rights.
As part of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Gabby Benitez said there have been eight proposals targeting members of the immigrant community in this legislative session, including a copycat of Arizona's immigration bill.
Benitez said it hit home for her, as her own father is going through a deportation process.
"I do not know if he will be able to see my walk as I graduate from the University of Memphis this December. And I don't do it for me, I do it for every family here that is a part of our community," Benitez said, as she pushed back tears.
Summing up the importance of their solidarity, Will Batts of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center quoted a verse from the Bible.
"What you do to the least of my brethren you do to me."
Congressman Steve Cohen, State Rep. G. A. Hardaway, State Sen. Beverly Marrero, and Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy were among the elected officials who attended.
Of the bills recently proposed or passed, Marrero said they unfortunately affected the poorest and most vulnerable of the community.
Hardaway added, "The rights of individuals, tolerance, it's just out the window."
Several Mid-South activist groups got together to support each other's causes.
They say the lawmakers in Nashville have stripped rights of the most vulnerable.
Elected officials say their opponents have thrown "tolerance out the window."
natasha.chen@wreg.com
Twitter - natashanews3
Facebook.com/NatashaChenReports
(Memphis 6/1211) A protest on Sunday afternoon brought together several activist groups in an unprecedented unity rally.
"Justice for All" was the first event of its kind, attended by hundreds representing Planned Parenthood of Greater Memphis, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, AFSCME Local 1733, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Tennessee Equality Project, and Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.
"We're all fighting the same fight, basically," said Katie Smith, a women's health practitioner at Planned Parenthood.
At the steps of the First Congregational Church on Cooper Avenue, Smith explained that 25 percent of their funding comes from what's called Title 10. That federal funding, which goes directly to preventative health, is being taken away.
That money does not fund abortions.
Smith said those at risk of losing access to services are uninsured women and teens who have nowhere else to go for breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, HIV testing, birth control and education on sexually transmitted diseases.
Michelle Bliss, the co-chair of the Shelby County chapter of the Tennessee Equality Project, said legislation targeting any one minority group often results in "collateral damage."
In describing SB 632 and HB 600, Bliss said the bill repeals any local municipality's anti-discriminatory laws, if they exceed the protections offered by state and federal constitutions.
"You should treat other people the way you want to be treated, and when any of us lose a freedom, all of us are a little less free," she said.
Bliss said the legislature targeted the gay community, but inadvertently now have allowed for others to be marginalized, like those on supplemental security income, who can be denied housing based on where their money comes from.
Among the speakers on Sunday, a University of Memphis student spoke of immigrant rights.
As part of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Gabby Benitez said there have been eight proposals targeting members of the immigrant community in this legislative session, including a copycat of Arizona's immigration bill.
Benitez said it hit home for her, as her own father is going through a deportation process.
"I do not know if he will be able to see my walk as I graduate from the University of Memphis this December. And I don't do it for me, I do it for every family here that is a part of our community," Benitez said, as she pushed back tears.
Summing up the importance of their solidarity, Will Batts of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center quoted a verse from the Bible.
"What you do to the least of my brethren you do to me."
Congressman Steve Cohen, State Rep. G. A. Hardaway, State Sen. Beverly Marrero, and Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy were among the elected officials who attended.
Of the bills recently proposed or passed, Marrero said they unfortunately affected the poorest and most vulnerable of the community.
Hardaway added, "The rights of individuals, tolerance, it's just out the window."
