A controversial ordinance in Radnor Township has passed on first reading that would prevent police from arresting, charging or prosecuting a person “accused of facilitating, providing, or receiving abortion services.”

The idea, according to the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners, is to protect abortion rights for Radnor residents even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe V. Wade, writes Beccah Hendrickson for 6abc.

The proposed ordinance passed 4-2. A final vote will be taken June 13.  It will not go into effect unless Roe V. Wade is overturned and there is a ban on abortion at the state or federal level.

“To me is too important to wait to see ‘what if.’ By the time the ‘what if’ gets here, it will be too late,” said Board President Moira Mulroney. “It is our role to set policy for the township.”

Commissioner Mulroney, Jack Larkin, Maggy Myers, and Lisa Borowski voted in favor. Jake Abel and Annamarie Jones voted against it. Jones said she has concerns about restricting police authority

Commissioner Sean Farhy abstained, describing the ordinance as a “political game” and “theater” and not something the local commissioners should be legislating.

Radnor Police did not comment on the ordinance.

Read more at 6abc about Radnor’s new ordinance.