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Pro-choice protests held in the Cape Region July 4

Organizers feel their independence has been taken from them
Protesting along Route 1 are (l-r) Makaylah Foskey, Casey Foskey and Brayden Foskey. They stand as a family to show their support for women’s reproductive rights. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
July 8, 2022

Two separate pro-choice groups organized July 4 to demonstrate their disapproval of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, thus eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. 

Emily Burke, co-organizer of the Rehoboth Beach protest, said she was angry about the decision and felt she could not properly celebrate Independence Day because she believed she no longer had independence. Burke organized the Rehoboth Beach rally with Gianna Krider and staged it along Route 1 near Old Landing Road.

The second protest of the day was part of the Lewes Doo-Dah Parade. A group registered as The March For Human Rights organized along the corner of Manila Avenue and Savannah Road, displaying signs before marching in the parade. The group encountered at least two confrontations prior to the parade, but Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell said no reports were filed with police.

Both groups say they will continue to protest, citing the opinion of Justice Clarence Thomas, which they fear will result in more personal liberties being taken away from Americans in the future.

 

Rehoboth Beach’s protest co-organizer Gianna Krider holds her pro-choice sign along Route 1 July 4.
John and Carolyn Arking of Howell, Mich., said they worry about what the recent Supreme Court decision means for the future of their transgender child, as Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion mentioned several notable LGBTQ+ cases.
Lewes resident Laurie Valunas carries signs calling out the Supreme Court for permitting open carry with their ruling June 23, while banning the right to safe abortions June 24.
Co-organizer Emily Burke said she could not properly celebrate the Fourth of July because she believes women’s independence was taken away June 24.
Maxine Walter and Morgan Kidger, both of Lewes, wonder why their bodies are controlled, yet instruments of war are seemingly not.
Lewes residents Mary Jean Burns, left, and Norakyn Winfield let drivers know they feel Fourth of July has been canceled due to a lack of freedoms and that pro-choice is pro-life.
Maria Rendina of Rehoboth Beach, left, Samantha Maloney-Gracie of Rehoboth Beach and Sandra Sullivan of Lewes called for lawmakers to protect their privacy
Shortly before the Doo-Dah parade, pro-choice supporters held signs on the corner of Savannah Road and Manila Avenue.
The Rev. Mimi Lane, left, stands next to Annie Kalayjian. Rev. Lane fears a rise of unsafe abortions, while Kalayjian asks Republicans where her independence is on Independence Day.
Supporters of women’s reproductive rights organized themselves behind a banner stating their purpose with signs questioning the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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