Oaths and pledges have been routine for political officials. That's changing in a polarized America
Elected officials throughout modern American history have sworn oaths to uphold constitutions and pledged allegiance to the flag without much controversy
By JULIE CARR SMYTH and KIMBERLEE KRUESI
Published - Feb 24, 2024, 09:00 AM ET
Last Updated - Feb 24, 2024, 09:00 AM EST
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The resignation letter was short and direct.
“I can no longer be under an oath to uphold the New Constitution of Ohio," wrote Sabrina Warner in her letter announcing she was stepping down from the state's Republican central committee.
It was just days after Ohio voters resoundingly approved an amendment last November to the state constitution ensuring access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. For many, the vote was a victory after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to abortion in 2022.
For Warner, a staunch abortion opponent, it meant she could no longer stand by the Ohio Constitution she had proudly sworn an oath to uphold just over a year before.
