Council declares Philly
a pro-choice city

Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is knocking City Council for voting last week to declare Philadelphia a pro-choice city on abortion.
Rigali called the label "divisive" and "shameful."
"I commend those members who opposed this resolution," he said. "Council members who voted for it should apologize to the thousands of Philadelphians they have offended today and turn their energies toward improving the quality of life and the safeguarding of all residents."
The resolution was sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who worked with Planned Parenthood on the language. It passed by a vote of 9-8.
In addition to Reynolds Brown, those voting in favor of it were Councilwomen Jannie Blackwell and Donna Reed Miller and Councilmen Dan Savage, Jim Kenney, Bill Greenlee, Frank DiCicco, Wilson Goode Jr. and Darrell Clarke.
Voting against it were Councilwomen Joan Krajewski, Marian Tasco, Anna Verna and Carol Campbell and Councilmen Brian O’Neill, Jack Kelly, Frank Rizzo and Juan Ramos. ••