Latest news with #StateConstitution
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ohio Bill Seeks to Ban and Criminalize Abortion: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Republican lawmakers in Ohio have introduced a bill that seeks to ban almost all abortions in the state and criminalize the procedure. State Representatives Levi Dean and Johnathan Newman introduced the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act on Wednesday. The bill would grant legal protections from the moment of fertilization, meaning abortion would be treated as homicide, in a challenge to an abortion rights amendment to the State Constitution that voters approved in 2023. Newsweek reached out to Dean and Newman for comment via email. Why It Matters Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists have been pushing measures to enshrine the rights of fetuses in a bid to end abortion nationwide. Ohio voters enshrined abortion protections in 2023, prompting judges to strike down abortion bans in the state. Abortion is legal up to 20 weeks from fertilization in Ohio. While Republicans in Ohio have historically passed abortion restrictions and bans, legislation in the past has been aimed at penalizing abortion providers rather than the people who have them. But the new bill, if enacted, would change that. It could also affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) and some forms of contraception. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, 2021. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, To Know End Abortion Ohio, which collaborated with Dean and Newman to draft the bill, says the constitutional amendment approved in 2023 violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. Austin Beigel, the president of End Abortion Ohio, told Newsweek the bill is "a very, very simple piece of legislation" that "grants personhood to all human beings." The bill would ensure that "from the moment of fertilization, when you have a new, distinct living organism, you have personhood rights, and you have the equal protection of the law," he said. "So the same laws that protect a born infant will protect that same person inside their mother's womb." Beigel added that while the bill does not explicitly mention IVF, the "natural consequence of personhood rights for all human beings includes those currently living in petri dishes and cryochambers across our country and our state." Abortion rights advocates say the bill goes against the will of Ohio voters. "Ohioans spoke loud and clear that we want our access to reproductive healthcare protected, not attacked when we passed the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2023," Kellie Copeland, the executive director of Abortion Forward, which worked to pass the amendment, said in a statement to Newsweek. Beigel said that his organization is not concerned about going against what voters want because "the will of the majority of voters was for something evil." "They were asking for the right to murder another so we are proud to stand against evil, even when evil is the majority," he added. Other groups that support abortion bans—Ohio Right to Life and Citizens for Christian—do not support the legislation, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. What People Are Saying Abortion Forward executive director Kellie Copeland, in a statement to Newsweek: "Voters in Ohio sent a clear message in 2023 we must be free to make our own decisions, define our own path in life, and safely care for our families and communities. Deciding if, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important decisions we make. These decisions should be up to each individual Ohioan, not government. "These out-of-touch anti-abortion extremists want to give legal rights to fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses. This would strip Ohioans' ability to make decisions for our lives, health, and well-being, including banning all abortion care, banning some types of birth control, and denying IVF treatment that helps people build their families. "Bills like this embolden law enforcement to surveil and investigate people for their actions during pregnancy – families and loved ones could be targeted by law enforcement for helping someone access an abortion, miscarriage care, or even IVF. Black people, other people of color and immigrants are most likely to be targeted, questioned, and harmed by policies like this." End Abortion Ohio, in a statement: "Ohio's pro-abortion constitutional amendment should be treated as null and void because it flagrantly violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by denying preborn persons the right to life. In appealing to the 14th Amendment, the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act appeals to a higher law; the U.S. Constitution. "But even so, we appeal to the highest law; the law of God. In the Holy Scriptures, All men are created equal, being made in the image of God." Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis told The Cincinnati Enquirer: "We have never supported criminalizing a woman for having an abortion, and we never will. It's completely out of bounds and inappropriate." Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin, in a statement: "Mere days after an anti-abortion fanatic targeted and killed reproductive rights advocates, Republicans in the Ohio legislature have decided that women who receive abortions are the actual threat. Ohio Republicans intend to charge women who receive abortions with homicide, ban IVF, and even some forms of contraception, as they proudly go against the people of Ohio. Nearly three years ago, Donald Trump opened the door to these extreme anti-choice policies through the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Now, with Trump's blessing, the far-right has declared war on women's rights." What Happens Next Beigel said the legislation has garnered seven co-sponsors so far. But while Republicans control both chambers of the Ohio Legislature, it remains to be seen whether the bill will have enough support to pass. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman told the Enquirer it's too early to know where House Republicans stand on the bill.
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Montana Supreme Court declares 2021 abortion restrictions unconstitutional
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that struck down as unconstitutional several laws restricting abortion access, including a ban beyond 20 weeks of gestation. The measures approved by Republican lawmakers in 2021 had been blocked since a judge issued a preliminary injunction against them that year. While the case was pending, voters passed an initiative that enshrined the right to abortions in the Montana Constitution. Justices said in Monday's ruling that the state constitution included a 'right to be left alone' and have access to abortions. They said that right was not affected by a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended a half-century of nationwide abortion rights. The Montana laws also included a prohibition against telehealth prescriptions of abortion medication, a 24-hour waiting period after giving informed consent, and a requirement for providers to give patients the option of viewing an ultrasound or listening to the fetal heart tone. Planned Parenthood of Montana challenged the measures. Justices cited a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that said the state constitution's right to privacy includes a woman's right to obtain an abortion before the fetus is viable from the provider of her choice. The state argued that the 1999 ruling was wrongly decided and has tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to get the Montana Supreme Court to overturn it. The Legislature in 2023 passed another slate of bills seeking to limit abortion access. Last year's initiative to make abortion a constitutional right in the state passed with backing from 58% of voters. An anti-abortion group called the Montana Family Foundation on Monday filed a lawsuit challenging the voter-approved initiative. The group claims voters who registered on Election Day were denied the chance to fully review the initiative because the ballot included only a summary. The full text was in a pamphlet mailed to registered voters.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
United States Supreme Court decides St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School case in split 4-4 vote
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The United States Supreme Court has reached a decision in the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board (SCSB) versus Drummond case. The case would've made St. Isidore the first taxpayer-funded religious charter school in the nation. The ruling was a 4-4 split decision by eight Supreme Court justices, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself due to close ties in the case. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Heated exchange as SCOTUS hears arguments on nations first religious charter school 'I think it's remarkable. It's a great win for Oklahoma,' said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. 'We were disappointed,' said Brian Shellem, Chairman of the SCSB. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the virtual Catholic charter school unconstitutional. A split vote means the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling will remain in place. An Oklahoma parent and plaintiff in the case against St. Isidore said, 'It's really important to me that the government not interfere in my pursuit of faith or in instilling those values in my children.' 'We had to stand up as parents and for our kids and our schools and just say, this is not American, this is not the way we understand democracy,' added Brewer. Others reacted to the decision, including State Superintendent Ryan Walters. He issued a statement about the ruling, expressing disappointment. 'Allowing the exclusion of religious schools from our charter school program in the name of19th century religious bigotry is wrong,' said Superintendent Walters. 'As state superintendent, Iwill always stand with parents and families in opposition to religious discrimination and fightuntil all children in Oklahoma are free to choose the school that serves them best, religious orotherwise.' 'We are disappointed, but the result of this 4-4 decision with no opinion is that the fight againstreligious bigotry will continue in Oklahoma and across the country,' said Hiram Sasser,Executive General Counsel for First Liberty. 'We will not stop until we can bring an end toreligious discrimination in education.' State Superintendent Ryan Walters In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Supt. Walters also said, 'We're looking at a potential amendment to the State Constitution to help clarify this issue. And we're also looking through funding mechanisms for religious charter schools in the future of Oklahoma.' Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also shared his remarks in a statement Thursday morning. 'This 4-4 tie is a non-decision. Now we're in overtime. There will be another case just like this one and Justice Barrett will break the tie. This is far from a settled issue. We are going to keep fighting for parents' rights to instill their values in their children and against religious discrimination.' Governor Kevin Stitt Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pro-merger activists meet Kolhapur MP over KMC expansion
1 2 Kolhapur: The pro-merger action committee approached Kolhapur MP Shahu Chhatrapati on Monday to discuss the integration of the fringe villages into Kolhapur Municipal Corporation boundaries. The committee members emphasised that the merger request is based on scientific considerations rather than political motives, given Kolhapur city's current growth limitations. During the meeting, the committee members urged the MP to arrange for a comprehensive discussion with Maharashtra's chief minister, deputy chief minister, urban development minister, secretary, and principal secretary. The MP assured them that he would consult with rural MLAs and coordinate a detailed meeting soon. The committee members expressed frustration over guardian minister Prakash Abitkar's unavailability to discuss the merger issue. They announced plans to organise a 'gherao' to press for their demands for incorporating the fringe villages into city limits. KMC recently submitted a proposal to state govt requesting the incorporation of 18 villages and two MIDCs into Kolhapur's municipal boundaries. Pro-merger committee activist Advocate Baba Indulkar said, "Kolhapur city has no available space as per World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Therefore, KMC cannot provide basic amenities to the citizens. This is a violation of Article 21 of the State Constitution. As Kolhapur Lok Sabha constituency includes Kolhapur city, the citizens are lacking their fundamental rights." Former mayor R K Powar said, "The expansion of Kolhapur city has been stalled since 1946. The population of Kolhapur city was approximately 36,000 in the year 1946, with an area of 66.82 sqkm. The area remains the same in the year 2025, but the population has increased to a total of approximately 10.5 lakhs." The committee highlighted various challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, flooding issues, a growing flood-affected population, limited development space, overburdened roads, and increased waste management problems due to daily visitors. These factors have created additional financial pressure on the Municipal Corporation, hindering Kolhapur's development.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perlis State Assembly Complex renamed Kompleks Seri Putra to honour former ruler
KANGAR: The Perlis State Legislative Assembly Complex has been renamed Kompleks Seri Putra in a ceremony here today. The renaming of the complex in Persiaran Wawasan was proclaimed by Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail during a People's Tea Ceremony here held in conjunction with his 82nd birthday celebration. Delivering the royal address on behalf of his father, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said the complex was renamed in honour of his grandfather, Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, a tribute to his service and legacy in the state. "Tuanku Syed Putra was the first raja of Perlis after the enactment of the State Constitution on Feb 1, 1948. "During his reign, the Perlis state assembly was established following the Legislative Council Election on Sept 24, 1955, which provided for nine seats. "His contributions deserve lasting recognition." Gracing the event were Raja Perempuan Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said since his father officiated the complex on May 25, 2010, it has hosted 50 state assembly sittings. "This building must continue to serve as a dignified venue for discourse, deliberation and the enactment of fair laws that safeguard the welfare of the people. "Seek common ground in governing and advancing this state so that it stands on a par with others. Let this platform be a space to serve the people." Tuanku Syed Faizuddin expressed appreciation to the menteri besar and the state administration for organising the event.
