“Let us stand firm against any and all arbitrary authority that threaten the personal sovereignty of one or of all.”
A representative from the Satanic Temple of West Michigan gave Tuesday’s invocation before the start of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting. The temple’s participation was a test to the new rule set up by the mostly conservative board that allowed any individual to give the invocation as long as they signed up with their local commissioner.
Over fifty residents gave public comment following the prayer, many quoting scripture from the Bible, and some defending the temple’s right to free speech.
“I would not agree to censor speech of the Satanic Temple any more than I want my own speech censored.”
Others spoke on the Commission’s passing of the Resolution to Promote Life, which was passed by an 8-2 vote, wherein “county staff and resources support women who make a choice for life for their preborn children and for counseling through existing sources throughout the county.”
Currently, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health does not provide abortions or transportation to abortion services.
“I oppose this resolution on its face, but if you’re going to set restrictions, does it have any real teeth, or are you again appealing to certain members of your electorate?”
Chairperson Joe Moss spoke on some of the concerns raised during public comment.
“Miscarriage care and entopic pregnancy care is not abortion. We care for all of our constituents and a culture of life with compassionate care for mothers and families.”
