Stacey Abrams speaks out against Georgia boycott over abortion ban
Former Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams (D) is speaking out against calls for an entertainment industry boycott of the state over its new abortion legislation.
Despite her disapproval of Georgia’s strict new “heartbeat” abortion ban, Abrams said Wednesday that a boycott is not “the most effective, strategic choice for change.”
“I respect the call for a boycott on Georgia, but I do not believe it is the most effective, strategic choice for change,” the Democratic rising star tweeted. “However, I know the perpetrators of #HB481 — most of them men — will not be moved by protest. In fact, they want the ability to demonize the film industry while profiting from its presence.”
I respect the call for a boycott on Georgia, but I do not believe it is the most effective, strategic choice for change. https://t.co/9W9M9sb6Zg
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) May 15, 2019
{mosads}Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the so-called heartbeat bill last week, banning abortions once a fetus has a detectable heartbeat, which generally occurs within six weeks of a pregnancy. Several production companies and members of the entertainment industry have since said they refuse to bring their business to Georgia.
In March, Alyssa Milano and 49 other actors signed a letter to Kemp and Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (R), voicing their opposition to the legislation.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Abrams acknowledged the film industry and its roots in Georgia, adding that while a boycott from these companies could have an effect, “it will not have the effect of actually stopping the laws.”
“We have to recognize that Georgia is the only state that is such a deep part of the film industry that also has the type of draconian leadership that would seek to strip a woman’s autonomy in this way,” she said. “That puts us in a unique position to fight back — not only against the legislation here but the legislation around the country — and to fund the defeat of these politicians and their horrible behavior by using the resources available through the entertainment industry.”
Abrams also launched a campaign this week to urge the ban’s opponents to donate to groups advocating for reproductive rights. Any proceeds will be divided evenly among these organizations, according to the campaign.
“My belief is that we have an obligation to defend the rights of women, the rights of families to make healthcare decisions and the rights of doctors to provide care,” she said. “Any laws that weaken those opportunities and those responsibilities should be fought tooth and nail.”
Her comments come after Alabama’s state Senate passed the most restrictive anti-abortion legislation in the country, also drawing opposition from Hollywood.
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