On June 27 the Kenmore City Council unanimously passed Resolution 22-387 in support of codifying comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, as well as marriage equality in the Washington State and U.S. Constitutions.

The resolution was brought forth by Deputy Mayor Melanie O’Cain shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, citing that the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment do not apply to safe or legal abortions.

“The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade rejected over 50 years of legal precedence that prevented government interference in our most personal life decision,” said Deputy Mayor O’Cain. “It also opened the door to limiting other rights, including who we can marry.”

The resolution expresses the council’s position in supporting amendments to both the Washington state and U.S. Constitutions, that would aim to pass both state and federal laws to affirm a pregnant person’s right to access abortion without undue interference.

The resolution states that the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the 14th amendment is a threat to marriage equality. The resolution also acknowledges how transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive people also get pregnant and require abortion care; Washington state law should reflect the most inclusive understanding of who needs abortions and be updated with gender neutral language, stated the resolution.

“I am thankful our City Council moved with urgency and unanimously approved a resolution in favor of codifying comprehensive reproductive healthcare and marriage equality,” said Deputy Mayor O’Cain.

Copies of the final resolution will be sent to the Washington State Legislature and the White House.