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Alabama passes nation's strictest abortion ban – live updates White House refuses to sign on to Christchurch call to combat online extremism – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump returned to one of his favorite topics during this speech: the southern border. With an assist from Guardian US reporter Amanda Holpuch, we are fact-checking his statements.
Trump: The “wrong people [are] being allowed to come in” over the Southern border, and that sanctuary cities are “deadly”.
More context... While 310,531 people were apprehended trying to cross the southern border illegally in 2017, in the same year more than 600,000 people who entered the US legally by air or sea overstayed their visas and remained in the country at the end of the year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This is a tiny fraction of the 52 million people who entered the US legally in 2017. It is estimated that the number of visa overstays are actually higher, because the DHS report does not include land crossings.
Trump: “I don’t think most countries are giving us their finest,” he added.
Actually... The share of families are coming over the border has increased steadily since 2012, many of whom are refugees from violent countries.
Here is one advocate Jorge Santos from Udefegua, which monitors attacks against journalists: “There’s a growing feeling that there is little possibility of a dignified life in Guatemala which is producing the increased flow of migrants and refugees.”
President Trump just brought the family of California police officer Corporal Ronil Singh up to the microphone to speak, through Secret Service barricades.
“Every family sitting out here wants justice,” said his widow, holding his 10-month-old son, “And that’s what I want for my husband.”
Trump has said the perpetrators of ambushes on police should, “get the death penalty”, to cheers.Trump has said the perpetrators of ambushes on police should, “get the death penalty”, to cheers.
“The ongoing attacks on our police must end,” Trump said. The trials of perpetrators should “go fast,” and added “fair but fast.”“The ongoing attacks on our police must end,” Trump said. The trials of perpetrators should “go fast,” and added “fair but fast.”
Trump is now speaking about police officers killed in the line of duty. Two of those officers are Brookhaven, Mississippi police officers who were shot in January, Corporal Zach Moak and Patrolman James White.Trump is now speaking about police officers killed in the line of duty. Two of those officers are Brookhaven, Mississippi police officers who were shot in January, Corporal Zach Moak and Patrolman James White.
“This morning we are honored to be joined by the families of both of these remarkable officers,” he said.“This morning we are honored to be joined by the families of both of these remarkable officers,” he said.
The White House will not sign onto the “Christchurch call to action”, an international agreement to combat online extremism and hate speech. This is the statement from the White House, from the Washington Post:The White House will not sign onto the “Christchurch call to action”, an international agreement to combat online extremism and hate speech. This is the statement from the White House, from the Washington Post:
We continue to be proactive in our efforts to counter terrorist content online while also continuing to respect freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” the White House said. “Further, we maintain that the best tool to defeat terrorist speech is productive speech, and thus we emphasize the importance of promoting credible, alternative narratives as the primary means by which we can defeat terrorist messaging.”We continue to be proactive in our efforts to counter terrorist content online while also continuing to respect freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” the White House said. “Further, we maintain that the best tool to defeat terrorist speech is productive speech, and thus we emphasize the importance of promoting credible, alternative narratives as the primary means by which we can defeat terrorist messaging.”
Trump has often been criticized for retweeting conspiracy theories and alt-right personalities who boost white supremacy.Trump has often been criticized for retweeting conspiracy theories and alt-right personalities who boost white supremacy.
Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden just tweeted about the near-total abortion ban passed by Alabama’s Senate Tuesday night.Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden just tweeted about the near-total abortion ban passed by Alabama’s Senate Tuesday night.
Republicans in AL, FL, GA, and OH are ushering in laws that clearly violate Roe v Wade and they should be declared unconstitutional. Roe v Wade is settled law and should not be overturned. This choice should remain between a woman and her doctor.Republicans in AL, FL, GA, and OH are ushering in laws that clearly violate Roe v Wade and they should be declared unconstitutional. Roe v Wade is settled law and should not be overturned. This choice should remain between a woman and her doctor.
His comment is notable for two reasons.His comment is notable for two reasons.
1. Many Democratic candidates tweeted about this last night. It took him many hours longer to denounce the near-total ban.1. Many Democratic candidates tweeted about this last night. It took him many hours longer to denounce the near-total ban.
(This reporter is working on a full list of 2020 contender reactions right now.)(This reporter is working on a full list of 2020 contender reactions right now.)
2. Biden has an inconsistent record on abortion. He is a Catholic, and at times, has voted in favor of restrictions, other times against them.2. Biden has an inconsistent record on abortion. He is a Catholic, and at times, has voted in favor of restrictions, other times against them.
Trump and members of his cabinet are now listening to the National Anthem. Trump is flanked by Attorney General Bill Barr and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, among others.Trump and members of his cabinet are now listening to the National Anthem. Trump is flanked by Attorney General Bill Barr and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, among others.
President Trump has just entered the National Peace Officer’s Memorial Service. Again, here is the livestream.President Trump has just entered the National Peace Officer’s Memorial Service. Again, here is the livestream.
Democratic US presidential candidate and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand heads to Georgia tomorrow to rally against near-total abortion bans. Roughly one week ago, Georgia joined five other states in enacting a ban on abortion after six-weeks.Democratic US presidential candidate and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand heads to Georgia tomorrow to rally against near-total abortion bans. Roughly one week ago, Georgia joined five other states in enacting a ban on abortion after six-weeks.
The laws effectively ban all abortion, since most women do not yet know they are pregnant at six weeks. Georgia’s law makes exceptions for rape and incest, but other similar laws do not – for example in Ohio.The laws effectively ban all abortion, since most women do not yet know they are pregnant at six weeks. Georgia’s law makes exceptions for rape and incest, but other similar laws do not – for example in Ohio.
Right now, the conversation about what women can do with our own bodies is being driven by too many male politicians. It should be led by the actual experts: women and doctors. So I'm going to hear from the people most directly affected by abortion bans like Georgia's.Right now, the conversation about what women can do with our own bodies is being driven by too many male politicians. It should be led by the actual experts: women and doctors. So I'm going to hear from the people most directly affected by abortion bans like Georgia's.
We're facing an all-out assault on women’s constitutional rights, explicitly aimed at overturning Roe v. Wade. We need to loudly proclaim that reproductive rights are nonnegotiable, and join together to defend them at every level—in Washington, in the courts, and in the states.We're facing an all-out assault on women’s constitutional rights, explicitly aimed at overturning Roe v. Wade. We need to loudly proclaim that reproductive rights are nonnegotiable, and join together to defend them at every level—in Washington, in the courts, and in the states.
These 25 Republicans – all white men – just voted to ban abortion in AlabamaThese 25 Republicans – all white men – just voted to ban abortion in Alabama
From our story on the legislators who passed Alabama’s abortion ban:From our story on the legislators who passed Alabama’s abortion ban:
Alabama’s new law mandating an almost blanket ban on abortion, the strictest in the United States, was passed by this group of exclusively white, male politicians.Alabama’s new law mandating an almost blanket ban on abortion, the strictest in the United States, was passed by this group of exclusively white, male politicians.
The Alabama law will disproportionately affect black and poor women, because they are more likely to seek abortions, and less likely to have resources to obtain an abortion out-of-state.The Alabama law will disproportionately affect black and poor women, because they are more likely to seek abortions, and less likely to have resources to obtain an abortion out-of-state.
Of the 27 Republicans, all white men, that dominate the 35-seat Alabama senate, 25 voted to pass the bill late on Tuesday.Of the 27 Republicans, all white men, that dominate the 35-seat Alabama senate, 25 voted to pass the bill late on Tuesday.
This is what the Republican leadership group in the senate looks like, as presented on their caucus’s website:This is what the Republican leadership group in the senate looks like, as presented on their caucus’s website:
President Trump is expected to speak any moment at the 39th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service – we will be watching live.
Here is a link to the livestream if you want to watch it with us.
Wisconsin’s legislature could be the next state to pass abortion restrictions as soon as today. The state legislature is now poised to pass the so-called “born alive” bill touted by President Trump, although the governor of that state promised to veto the bill.
More reporting from the AP here:
The moves in Wisconsin come as anti-abortion politicians and activists feel emboldened by the addition of conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. They hope to ignite legal fights and eventually overturn the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.
Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday night approved a bill that would ban nearly all abortions. And Missouri’s Republican-led Senate was taking up a bill Wednesday that would ban abortions after the eighth week of pregnancy, which is similar to so-called fetal heartbeat laws enacted by Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio and Georgia.
Wisconsin already bans abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, except in cases in which the mother’s life is in danger. This is well before the generally accepted age of viability, which the Supreme Court said in Roe v. Wade is between 24 weeks and 28 weeks. Wisconsin also has a law passed in 1849 that bans abortions and would take effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
The bill before the Wisconsin Assembly on Wednesday addresses the extremely rare occurrence in which a baby is born alive during a failed abortion attempt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded just 143 instances nationwide in which live births resulted from at least 9.3 million abortion attempts between 2003 and 2014. There is no comparable data in Wisconsin because state officials don’t track it.
...
The Assembly was also voting on three other abortion-related bills. The others would cut off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, prohibit abortions based on the fetus’ race, sex or defects and require providers to tell women seeking abortions using the drug mifepristone that the process may be reversed after the first dose.
Amnesty International UK has just released a statement about Alabama’s abortion ban bill calling it “horrifying,” and “no better” than the current law in Northern Ireland.
Here is Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland campaign manager Grainne Teggart:
It’s devastating news that Alabama has become the latest in a string of US states to enact a horrifying abortion ban. The roll-back on reproductive rights in the US is happening at a terrifyingly rapid rate.
We should be outraged by this, but let’s also remember that in the UK we’re no better – women in Northern Ireland are subjected to one of the most severe abortion bans in the world which also carries criminal penalties of up to life imprisonment. It’s shameful that that our government is allowing such a violation of reproductive rights to continue to blight the lives of so many.
The UK government’s silence on the situation in Northern Ireland is putting the UK in the same camp as those US states pushing women’s reproductive health back into the dark ages. We should be leading on this issue, not lagging behind. We call on the Government to stop ignoring the cruel reality of our law and urgently legislate for change so that the harm caused is brought to an end.”
Former US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton just tweeted her opposition to the Alabama bill.
The abortion bans in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Mississippi are appalling attacks on women's lives and fundamental freedoms. Women's rights are human rights. We will not go back.
It is common to see abortion restrictions in the US – for the last two decades abortion opponents have been very effective at gradually restricting where, when and how a woman can obtain one.
But at least one state has sought to protect abortion – New York.
Here is more from the Guardian’s view on abortion: protecting a human right.
At this grim time there are signs of hope. New York state has sought to bolster abortion rights this year. Chile somewhat eased its ban in 2017. And last year’s landslide vote in favour of repealing Ireland’s near-total ban resonated worldwide.
Nine more US states are considering anti-abortion legislation similar to that just passed in Alabama.
Revealed: nine more US states considering hardline anti-abortion bills
Bills have so far passed one chamber in Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to Guardian reporter Jason Wilson.
Others have been introduced to statehouses in Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Texas and West Virginia without yet facing votes.
Democratic US presidential candidates have condemned Alabama’s abortion ban. Here is what they said about the bill:
This ban is dangerous and exceptionally cruel—and the bill’s authors want to use it to overturn Roe v. Wade. I've lived in that America and let me tell you: We are not going back—not now, not ever. We will fight this. And we will win. https://t.co/WNlr7Ys73q
Outrageous news coming out of Alabama. This law would effectively ban abortions in the state and criminalize doctors for doing their jobs - providing health care to women. https://t.co/90utkxn7J2
This bill in Alabama is effectively a ban on abortion. This is wrong. This is unconstitutional. https://t.co/dsRWqAY4PW Screen Shot 2019-05-14 at 9.35.41 PM.png
Abortion is a constitutional right.
As well, here are statements from US Democratic presidential candidates Cory Booker, Jay Inslee and Julián Castro.
A federal court in Mississippi is scheduled to hear the first arguments against a six-week abortion ban in that state, brought by the state’s last remaining abortion clinic, Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The judge hearing the case struck down a 15-week abortion ban in November 2018, saying it “unequivocally” violated a woman’s right to reproductive autonomy.
Abortion remains legal in all 50 US states while civil rights groups challenge abortion bans.
Why has Alabama passed such a strict abortion ban?
Anti-abortion campaigners hope the bill will challenge the 1973 US Supreme Court case which legalized abortion, Roe versus Wade.
Guardian US reporter Erin Durkin brought us these comments from one of the architects of the ban in Montgomery, Alabama, state Representative Rich Wingo:
It goes after Roe directly... We’re going in the front door and we’re saying to the supreme court, please explain to us how this isn’t a person. With modern technology, with everything that we know, this child needs to be protected under the US constitution.”
Although anti-abortion campaigners often reference changes in medical technology for their abortion restrictions, the real change has been in the US Supreme Court, where the Trump administration successfully confirmed two conservative justices.
The bill still needs to be signed by Alabama’s Republican governor. Because Roe versus Wade remains in effect, abortion is still legal in all 50 states even as states enact bans.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s politics liveblog.
Last night, Alabama passed the nation’s strictest abortion ban, outlawing the procedure for women and making it a criminal offense for physicians, except in cases where the woman faces fatal complications.
The bill still must be signed by the state’s Republican governor before it becomes law. Civil rights groups have already promised a lawsuit.
The bill is part of a wave of new legislation from Republican-led states. Anti-abortion campaigners hope they will reach the US supreme court and challenge Roe versus Wade, the 1973 decision which legalized abortion.
Here’s what else is happening today:
President Trump is expected to speak at the Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service at 11am ET.
Donald Trump Jr, the president’s eldest son, agreed to testify in a closed-door interview with the Senate Intelligence committee.
One of the first female Native American lawmakers in Congress is defying Trump’s push to drill for oil on public lands.