LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — With the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on their decision to place abortion access on the November ballot, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a brief on Wednesday, September 7, in support of Reproductive Freedom for all.
Nessel argued that the Board went beyond it’s authority in challenging the spacing between words in the text of the proposed ballot language on the petition.
The organization, Reproductive Freedom for All turned in roughly 750,000 signatures on a petition to the Michigan Department of State on July 11. The petition aims to write reproductive freedom into state law.
The Board of Canvassers, made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, could not decide on the ballot initiative on August 30th, forcing the petition to the Michigan Supreme Court.
“An overwhelming number of Michigan residents signed petitions in support of placing the question of abortion access on the ballot in November,” said Nessel. “Our state constitution provides the people with direct access to the democratic process and that access should not be limited by appointed individuals acting beyond the scope and authority of their duty.”
Nessel’s brief further states, “The People’s right to amend their Constitution cannot be discarded by a pair of unelected officials playing fast and loose with their statutory charge.”
The Department of Attorney General filed its amicus brief in support of the emergency application filed by RFFA under the Michigan Court Rules.
