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In the lead up to the National Women’s March in Support of Reproductive Rights on Saturday October 2nd, which will be attended by a number of our staff as both SXSW representatives and concerned citizens, we wanted to share our thoughts on recent events in the state.
SXSW stands against discriminatory laws and unequivocally supports civil rights for all people, everywhere.
As Texas residents, we are appalled by the passing of SB 4 and SB 8, the nation’s most restrictive state abortion laws, along with SB 1, which deliberately disenfranchises voters.
In addition to negatively affecting freedom of reproduction and voting rights in Texas, these bills set a dangerous precedent in the United States. The Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott continue to pass penal laws as they spearheaded the government failure that has caused thousands of Texans to suffer for the past two years.
We hear the calls to leave the state that we have called home for more than 30 years. These painful bills do not reflect the diversity of Texan voters, or evolving demographic and electoral trends. And they certainly don’t reflect the progressive beliefs that many in Austin hold.
If SXSW left Austin, it would do much more harm to the city economically than it would to the state. Much of the economic impact of our event will benefit the city’s small businesses and creative communities. Austin is part of SXSW’s DNA and we strive to stay and fight by the side of the people who made us who we are. We will continue to use our platform to advance human rights domestically and globally.
We donate to Planned Parenthood, the Lilith Fund and Fair Fight and will be contacting these organizations and other activists to provide a platform for them at the 2022 event. In addition, we are looking for other ways in which SXSW can influence and help change Texan politics on a broad front.
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