Press Release: Ohio Right To Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Monday, November 16, 2015

PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304

 

ORTL Revokes Endorsement of State Senator Cecil Thomas

 

Proclaimed Pro-life Senator Votes Twice Against Ohio Right to Life Legislation

COLUMBUS, Ohio--Today, Ohio Right to Life informed State Senator Cecil Thomas of the revocation of his endorsement by the Ohio Right to Life Political Action Committee. The Ohio Right to Life Board of Trustees made this decision in light of the senator's votes against two of the organization's key legislative initiatives: the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Senate Bill 127) and the de-funding of Planned Parenthood (Senate Bill 214).

"It is with great disappointment that we revoke Senator Thomas's endorsement," said Marshal Pitchford, Chairman of the Ohio Right to Life Board of Trustees. "All evidence, including the senator's own personal testimony, suggested he would be a key ally in the cause to protect human life in Ohio. Through his own actions, Senator Thomas has contradicted his proclaimed values and betrayed our endorsement."

In 2014, the Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsed Senator Thomas based on his candidate survey. The senator's answers fell 100 percent in line with Ohio Right to Life's mission to protect the innocent from the moment of conception until natural death. Last October, the Cincinnati Enquirer ran an interview with the senator in which he said that he would vote in line with the Democratic Party on the issue of abortion. Following his election, the senator voted against Senate Bill 127, which protects unborn babies from being aborted at the point at which they can feel pain. Later in October, Senator Thomas voted against Senate Bill 214. On both occasions, he delivered a floor speech opposing the pro-life position.

"It is remarkable that the senator can recognize the profound harm of abortion and vote in line with the abortion industry," said Pitchford. "Elections have consequences, and so do voting records. As human lives are taken apart piece by piece, we need bold pro-life leaders who will act with courage on their pro-life values and take a stand for what's right."

Tomorrow, the Ohio House Committee on Community and Family Advancement is expected to vote on House Bill 294, the House version of Ohio Right to Life's legislation to de-fund Planned Parenthood.

To read Ohio Right to Life's letter to State Senator Thomas, click here.

Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.