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AUSTIN, Texas – The backlash to the newly passed Texas Abortion Act, as well as Senate 1 bill that introduces sweeping electoral restrictions in the state, has been fierce.
While large corporations have not yet chosen to pack up and leave the Lone Star State, they have been encouraged and encouraged to do so. Under pressure is South by Southwest, the annual film, media, politics and music festival that powers Austin’s economy.
The pressure is so great that SXSW organizers released a statement on September 30th saying that despite developments in Texas law, the festival will remain in Austin in 2022.
“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,” SXSW spokeswoman Linda Park wrote in a statement.
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. (1/11)
– SXSW (@sxsw) September 30, 2021
“These bills not only negatively affect freedom of reproduction and electoral rights in Texas, they set a dangerous precedent in the United States. The Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott continued to pass penal laws as they presided over government failures that caused the suffering of thousands of Texans for the past two years, ”the statement said.
Despite opposition to the law, Park wrote, SXSW has been held in Austin for 30 years and it is believed that relocating would “do much more economic damage to the city than 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 around the world, ”wrote Park.
Instead of moving, SXSW has pledged to make donations to Planned Parenthood, Lilith Fund and Fair Fight and provide a platform for these organizations during the 2022 festival.
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