Colorado Personhood Amendment Voted Down

The proposed "personhood amendment" to the Colorado constitution was rejected by nearly a 3 to 1 margin yesterday. The amendment stated that "the term person shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being" for the following sections of the constitution, all from Article II:

Section 3. Inalienable rights. All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

Section 6. Equality of justice. Courts of justice shall be open to every person, and a speedy remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character; and right and justice should be administered without sale, denial or delay.

Section 25. Due process of law. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.

According to the Colorado Independent:

No on 62 campaign spokeswoman Cara DeGette lauded the overall campaign effort and the intelligence of Colorado voters: “The campaign was so strong; the win is huge. Voters aren’t stupid.”

She added the second try at the amendment proved once and for all how Coloradans feel on matters of choice.

However, since opponents argued the amendment could have affected not just abortion, but in vitro fertilization, stem cell research, and contraception, it might be difficult to interpret the resounding defeat purely to "pro-choice" sentiments. Nevertheless, the premise of many in the pro-life movement -- that personhood begins at conception -- seems to have been rejected by Colorado voters. 

HT: Rick Garnett, Mirror of Justice

Comments

[Antonio Manetti]

Nevertheless, the premise of many in the pro-life movement -- that personhood begins at conception -- seems to have been rejected by Colorado voters.

I believe many pro-lifers in Colorado, including the governor, viewed the amendment as a poisoned chalice for their cause. The mind boggles at the legal consequences.