Thousands turn out for Women’s Marches around metro Atlanta

ATLANTA — All over the U.S. thousands of people gathered in multiple states including Georgia for the Women’s March. The main event was held in Washington D.C. and in various cities around the country. The events were held to draw attention to a variety of topics protestors feel strongly about including: ending violence, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights and the rights of workers.

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There were five events held in metro Atlanta and one in Athens along with four more around the state. Channel 2 Action News reporter Christian Jennings was at the march that took place in downtown Atlanta where hundreds gathered to listen to speakers and march through the streets.

The march and rally at the state capitol was primarily about reproductive rights.

Jennings spoke to Joanie Shuzin who is active in several groups around the metro area and was happy to see the large turnout. Shuzin said she feels events like this, where people’s voices are heard are the only way people can help bring about change.

“The specific changes I want to see made are that a woman and her doctor and her clergy should make the decision whether to carry forth a pregnancy or not,” Shuzin said. “Not the state legislature”.

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Organizers said the movement has taken on a new life after the state of Texas passed a new, much stricter abortion law this year that was upheld at least temporarily by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The state of Georgia passed a law similar to Texas in 2019 which restricted any potential abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy. Several organizations filed suit to stop Georgia’s law which was put on hold by a federal judge.

The case was heard by the 11th District Court of Appeals in Atlanta last week. The judges decided to wait before making a decision on whether to allow Georgia’s law to proceed.

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