Glen Rock Isn't Cracking Up Over Councilwoman's Easter Egg Post

GLEN ROCK, NJ — A Glen Rock councilwoman has been catching heat over an Instagram post on her personal page that mocked anti-abortion stances, because the post referred to Easter and Easter eggs.

The post, in various colors, said, "Easter Eggs are aborted chicken babies that are painted in drag for small children to worship. Happy Easter." (See it here.)

On Sunday, Councilwoman Paula Gilligan explained her post in a message on the town website, and in a separate post, the mayor and council members apologized.

"We all feel very strongly that everyone’s religious beliefs and traditions must be treated with respect," said a post signed by Mayor Kristine Morieko and council members. "They should not be the subject of jokes or inflammatory social media posts.

"That is even more true when the social media post is made by an elected official, because we are here to represent and support all Glen Rockers of all religious beliefs and backgrounds. We understand how important Easter and the symbols of Easter are to the many Glen Rockers who celebrate."

The post continued, in part, "We believe strongly that Glen Rock should be an inclusive community that celebrates and honors everyone’s religious beliefs and traditions. This includes Christianity as well as all of the other religions represented in town. We call on all Glen Rockers to support and respect each other, and as your elected officials, we continue to strive to be examples."

The full post, and Gilligan's letter, are below.

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Gilligan's message on the town website:

"It has come to my attention that there are constituents in Glen Rock that have concerns with a meme on my personal Instagram story. The meme takes aim at the absurdity of “personhood” laws. Currently 40 bills with personhood language have been proposed in 16 states. Personhood language refers to legal language that would codify the dangerous notion that from the moment of fertilization, an egg should be legally recognized as a person with full constitutional rights. This legislation supports an extremist political position that I disagree with. It is my personal opinion that people have the right to control their bodies and their lives.

"My personal Instagram does not constitute the official views, opinions or beliefs of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Glen Rock. To those who feel it mocks your holiday traditions, that was not my intention. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful, joyous holiday. Paula Gilligan"

This year, Good Friday is observed this Friday, March 29, and Easter is this Sunday, March 31, 2024.