JEFFERSON CITY — Fearing Missouri voters could legalize abortion through a ballot question, Republicans in the Missouri House moved Wednesday to make it harder to amend the state constitution.
But, the prospects of the legislation moving in the Senate are on shaky ground after the Legislature’s upper chamber earlier approved a vastly pared-down version after hours of debate and negotiations.
Under the proposal, voters would be asked to approve language requiring a majority of voters and a majority of congressional districts to approve of a citizen-led initiative petition in order for it to pass.
It also includes a provision stripped out of the Senate version that says only citizens can vote, even though U.S. citizenship is already listed as a qualification to vote in Missouri.
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Rep. John Black, R-Marshfield, who sponsored the measure, said the legislation would “protect the stability†of the constitution.Black said voters in a small number of populous counties can make state policy over the objections of people in rural areas.
The resolution was approved on a 106-49 vote. House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, was the lone Republican casting a “no†vote.
The push comes as the campaign Missourians for Constitutional Freedom collects signatures for a ballot question to overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban.
If Missourians for Constitutional Freedom makes the ballot, a higher threshold in November would make it more difficult for abortion-rights proponents to enact the constitutional protections.
Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, said the measure is an attempt by politicians to dampen the power of voters.
“I trust voters. I respect the process,†Nurrenbern said. “I know voters are going to see through this.â€
Rep. Joe Adams, D-University City, said the concept of concurrent majority is rooted in the debate over slavery as a way to limit the power of voters.
“Why don’t you be intellectually honest about what you’re trying to do?†Adams said. “You want a minority to be able to block a majority.â€
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