Six questions on the November ballot pertain to issues that could be added to the state’s constitution; one will remove an issue. Here are three.
The Herald’s editorial board is of the mind that too much is in the constitution as it is, and any additions should be of very significant importance. Thus, the board believes that Amendment 79, the right to an abortion, should be approved.
It also allows – not requires - abortion to be covered under health insurance plans for state and local government employees.
Since the end of Roe vs Wade, women in numerous states are fighting different limitations on the right to make decisions about their own body. No such legal limitations exist for men.
Abortion for the life of the mother, in cases of rape or incest, might be permitted; however, not in all states. The number of weeks of pregnancy allowed for an abortion varies, some as few as six weeks, when many women do not even know they are pregnant.
In one state, the unused eggs from in-vitro fertilization are considered to be protected from abortion throwing a common procedure into uncertainty. Those who are pleased that abortion decisions are now decided state by state are active across state lines. Emotions are high.
Let’s not let Colorado become one of those uncertain states. It’s best not to involve the government in any questions of reproductive healthcare.
Vote yes on Amendment 79 to affirm Colorado as a state where a woman, along with those closest to her, can make her own decision.
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An issue that can easily be removed from the state’s constitution is the prohibition against same-sex marriage, which has received federal protection. U.S. District and 10th Circuit courts in Colorado allowed same sex marriage in 2014, while the prohibition remained in the constitution.
Amendment J would remove the ban from the constitution, which given court action is moot. It should receive a yes vote.
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Amendment 80, which would put the guarantee of pre-K-12 school choice in the constitution, should receive a no vote. School choice is an accepted part of public school educational options in Colorado – the state was a leader in initiating charter schools – and is in no jeopardy.
School administrators, parents and teachers are well along in recognizing that different students learn in different educational environments, and that conventional school structures are not successful for all.
There is no need to burden the constitution with this issue.
