Activists with the Tennessee chapter of Planned Parenthood burned the American flag and placed it in a garbage can in a video posted to social media.
"Gov. Bill Lee has disrespected our constitution and practically lit the flag on fire by banning abortion," the chapter wrote on Twitter. "But we won’t stop until we live in a new America that respects the rights of pregnant people. Full stop."
The protesters lit the flag on fire before placing it in a garbage can and extinguishing the fire. "Do not despair. From destruction comes creation. Let us invoke a new world from these ashes," a woman dressed as Lady Liberty said. She then led a chant of, "What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now."
Gov. Bill Lee has disrespected our constitution and practically lit the flag on fire by banning abortion.
But we won’t stop until we live in a new America that respects the rights of pregnant people. Full stop. pic.twitter.com/yhGT1HQacp
— Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (@TNAdvocatesPP) June 25, 2020
Planned Parenthood did not respond to an email request for comment on the video.
Several of the individuals were dressed in Handmaid's Tale outfits, and the person burning the flag appeared to be wearing a mask of Tennessee Republican governor Bill Lee's face.
The demonstration outside Lee's house was part of a 200-car caravan that protested the June 19 passage of a fetal heartbeat abortion law, which bans any abortion performed after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill created exceptions for situations where the health of the mother is at risk.
The actions were slammed by Tennessee Republican Bill Hagerty as evidence that the "liberal mob" has made its way to the state.
"The liberal mob has come to Tennessee," said Hagerty, who is running for U.S. Senate. "This behavior disrespects America and those who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedom. What we need now, more than ever, is law and order."
Planned Parenthood immediately announced it would be joining with the ACLU to challenge the law's constitutionality in court.