Homer Township OKs anti-abortion resolution, declares itself ‘sanctuary’ for life

The Homer Township Board approved a resolution declaring itself a “sanctuary” for life over the objections of residents who decried the township’s anti-abortion stance.

Three of the four township trustees, along with Supervisor Steve Balich, voted for the resolution at the Sept. 13 meeting. Trustee Angela Adolf was the sole “no” vote.

The resolution states “the Homer Township Board declares its opposition to, and stand against, the inhumane acts of abortion and infanticide as such acts violate the Township’s Core Values.”

While Balich acknowledged the resolution is symbolic, he said it states the township is anti-abortion.

“We believe in life and life issues,” Balich said in an interview. “We believe that life begins at conception.”

In the resolution, the township also declared October as “Protecting Life Month” and that the board intends to pursue an ordinance prohibiting abortion and infanticide in the township.

Still, Balich said the resolution itself has “no teeth.”

The vote took place over the objection of several speakers at the meeting who blasted the township board for the resolution.

Kari Worker argued the resolution was a waste of time and only creates division among residents.

“This topic is completely unrelated to the functions and purpose of a township,” Worker said.

Balich has pushed for anti-abortion stances in his role as a Will County Board member, though members have shied away from voting on politically divisive issues. He argued that being anti-abortion isn’t political.