The Democratic mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, has reportedly pulled a proclamation commemorating abortionists following pressure from pro-life critics and repeated requests for comment from The Daily Wire.
“This proclamation has now been pulled from the agenda on Tuesday at my request,” Mayor Justin Wilson said in an email obtained by The Daily Wire Friday afternoon.
He did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin weighed in on the matter Friday to The Daily Wire, saying that he was “saddened and disappointed” that the proclamation had been considered.
“The far left liberals continue to dominate the Democrat party and remind everyone that they are completely out of touch with Virginia values,” the governor said.
The mayor acknowledged that there is “controversy associated with the provision of abortion services, but our effort is to recognize the healthcare workers for the work that they do in our City.”
“The proclamation you are referring to is part of a national effort, timed to occur 29 years after the date of the murder of an OB-GYN in Florida, who was murdered for providing legal and safe healthcare services,” he explained.
The Daily Wire had reported Friday that the Alexandria City Council would consider proposed proclamation on March 8 that calls on Alexandria residents to “celebrate the courage, compassion, and the high-quality care that abortion providers and clinic staff provide.”
In a statement issued Friday, Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge urged Alexandria residents to express opposition to the proclamation.
“Violence of every kind must be condemned, and abortion is a direct, violent attack on human life,” Burbidge said in a statement. “Proposing a celebration of abortion and an ‘appreciation day’ for those who destroy lives defies comprehension.”
“The City of Alexandria should instead do the opposite,” he continued. “It should celebrate all those who save, protect and care for human life. It should re-direct its focus toward recognizing and supporting both mothers and their children, as so many dedicated and compassionate people in Alexandria do each day.”