NEWS

Amendment 1 brings out stars, grassroots effort

Andy Humbles
ahumbles@tennessean.com
Actresses Ashley Judd and Connie Britton speaking out against abortion amendment during a rally in Nashville on Sat. Nov. 1, 2014

Both sides of Tennessee's Amendment 1 issue were out in force Saturday in Nashville with different approaches to try and reach voters who will go to the polls on Tuesday.

Actress Connie Britton of "Nashville" and film star Ashley Judd headlined an afternoon rally for opponents of the amendment at 429 Event Space on Chestnut Street that drew about 100.

Meanwhile, supporters of Amendment 1 did a more grassroots campaign as many held signs and provided information throughout the day on Nolensville Pike and Harding Place.

"If people understand this amendment we will win," Yes on Amendment 1 supporter Elizabeth Fields said.

If Amendment 1 passes, it would give state lawmakers more authority over abortion regulations.

Judd, who has been politically active during her acting career, referenced her past as a rape victim twice before the age of 18.

"I don't want any child, teenager or woman in the state of Tennessee to have to bear the double burden of sexual violence and an unintended pregnancy that is not something that is appropriate and sustainable for her life," Judd said.

Supporters of Amendment 1 say it's needed because Tennessee has fewer abortion regulations than are recognized by Roe v. Wade or the U.S. Constitution, which can make it more dangerous for women having abortions. Vote Yes on Amendment 1 supporters also say less stringent regulations have caused the state to become a destination for those seeking abortions.

A group of Yes on Amendment 1 supporters were asked to leave a Vote No on One rally yesterday that featured actresses Connie Britton and Ashley Judd.

"I think Tennesseans have a lot of common sense and are not going to be influenced by movie stars," Yes on Amendment 1 spokesman Brian Harris said.

Opponents of Amendment 1 argue its passage would give lawmakers too much control over abortion regulations and compromise medical privacy rights.

Britton praised the volunteer leadership of the vote no campaign. Neither Judd nor Britton took questions after they spoke.

Nashville councilwoman-at-large Megan Barry, Planned Parenthood CEO and president Jeff Teague and American Civil Liberties Union director Hedy Weinberg also spoke at the vote no rally.

"I think the attention focused on this due to the presence of Ashley Judd and Connie Britton can only help get the word out," vote no supporter Liz Musselman said. "I love they used their celebrity platform to assist us in this battle."

Around five Yes on Amendment 1 supporters who attended the vote no rally were asked to leave just before it started. The vote yes supporters said they had no intention of being disruptive during the rally.

"I just wanted to hear what they are saying," said Jennifer Hicks, one of the yes on Amendment 1 supporter asked to leave. "We're transparent."

Reach Andy Humbles at 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @AndyHumbles.