October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case, the safety of domestic violence survivors is at stake. From Florida's First District Court of Appeal to a Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee and the U.S. Supreme Court, our rights and freedoms are being determined by a number of upcoming paramount decisions.
Court to Decide Congressional District Map
A pivotal battle for fair representation is underway in our very own backyard and the hearing begins at 9 a.m. on Halloween. The Florida First District Court of Appeal will decide on Governor DeSantis' controversial congressional districting map, one that eliminates a crucial Black-opportunity district in North Florida. In a rare move, all 13 judges, most of whom were appointed by Republicans, will weigh in on this critical issue.
This case is not just about district lines; it's about defending the principles of the Voting Rights Act and ensuring fair representation for all. While the governor claims the previous district was a racial gerrymander, voting-rights groups argue that the new map violates both the Voting Rights Act and Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment.
As Democrats, we stand for inclusivity, fairness, and equal representation. The outcome of this case will directly impact minority representation and our ability to ensure everyone's voice is heard in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Judicial Gerrymandering
Will Tallahassee Republicans gerrymander our courts? Local FL communities should have the power to elect officials who ensure public safety. However, an unexpected proposal by House Speaker Paul Renner to consolidate the state's judicial circuits has sparked concerns. Many suspect this move aims to gerrymander districts, limiting progressive prosecutors' chances.
Radical justices are breaking with judicial norms and ignoring decades of legal precedent to impose their own right-wing agenda on our country and take away our freedoms. The Supreme Court will hear U.S. v. Rahimi on November 7. SCOTUS will decide the constitutionality of a federal law prohibiting possession of firearms by people subject to domestic violence protection orders — in other words, if an abuser who has a protection order or restraining order against them can legally keep their guns. The stakes are high. If the Supreme Court overturns this law, it would likely increase domestic gun violence and put lives—especially the lives of women—at risk. The current law has been in effect for almost 30 years.
You can take action! Our partners at Grandparents Uniting for Gun Safety have made it easy to send a letter to the Justices of the Supreme Court ahead of this hearing. Send your letters HERE.
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Saturday November 11, 2023 11:30 a.m. 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967
The Speaker is Dr. David Moore, Ed.D
Superintendent Indian River County School District
Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $30, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday November 8 to [email protected] and include your meal choice:
Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken Breast
Pan Seared Salmon Filet
Vegetarian Plate
No phone calls or texts, please.There also will be an optional Thanksgiving non perishable food collection for the Food Pantry.
DWC Book Group Friday October 27, 2023 2 - 4 p.m. Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus
We will discuss, “Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Pursue: A Life’s Work Fighting For
A More Perfect Union” By Ruth Bader Ginsberg & Amanda Tyler
