HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – A proposed anti-abortion ordinance that would make the City of Hillsdale a “sanctuary for the unborn” was sent to a committee for further review on Monday night by the Hillsdale City Council.
Council member Tony Vear asked that the matter be placed on the agenda.
The Hillsdale Daily News reports the vote to send the controversial ordinance to the Council’s Operations and Governance Committee came at the end of a three hour meeting.
58th District State Representative Andrew Fink issued a statement before Monday’s vote that was in favor of the ordinance.
He said, “As a father and legislator, I am proud of the work being done by pro-life advocates in our local community to advance this important initiative that reflects the family values of our area.
“The premise of this measure is simple: no longer would abortion procedures or abortion-inducing drugs be legal within the city bounds of Hillsdale. Our area is deeply rooted in family values and our people are longstanding defenders of the sanctity of life and the right to life that every U.S. citizen is entitled, including those still in the womb.”
Anyone in violation would face a fine of $500 and a 90 day jail sentence. Under the ordinance, there would be an exception if the mother’s life was in danger.
The ordinance was crafted by Mark Lee Dickson who said he was the Director with Right to Life of East Texas and was the Founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn initiative.
An on line petition posted by change.org to stop the ordinance has gathered at least 250 signatures and there was a protest before Monday’s City Council meeting.
Pro Choice advocates and others opposed to the ordinance say it’s unenforceable and unconstitutional.
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