Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on May 10, 2001, to establish a “Choose Life Fund,” funded with revenue from the sale of a “Choose Life” specialty license plate. The fund would distribute money to counties to fund non-governmental not-for-profit organizations that provide services and counseling to women who have unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, except agencies involved or associated with abortion counseling, referrals to abortion clinics, or providing abortions. This bill is part of a legislative package comprised of House Bill 4759 and Senate Bill 466

The vote was 68 in favor, 35 opposed and 6 not voting

(House Roll Call 677 at House Journal 84)

Click here to view bill details.

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted no on House Bill No. 4759, a bill to create a 'Choose Life' license plate with the funds going to 'crisis pregnancy' centers, because this legislation is blatantly unconstitutional. The 'Choose Life' logo is a recognized slogan of narrow interests in the 'anti-abortion' movement. It does not belong on a state license plate. If a citizen wants this slogan on their car, there is already a place for it. That place is the car bumper and if a person wants that slogan on their car they can use a bumper sticker to do that, not a state-sanctioned license plate. In Louisiana, where similar legislation was passed, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction calling the 'Choose Life' plates 'very likely an unconstitutional restraint of free speech as it restricts the forum to only one view-that being the view of the State.' This legislation involves the State in collecting money to support only one side of a controversial and divisive political issue. Thus, the bill is tantamount to State sponsorship of a political message that is in conflict with our Constitutional rights as upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. If this bill is signed into law it is certain to be challenged in court and will subject Michigan taxpayers to the expense of defending a law that is likely to be overturned."

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted against HB 4759 because it involves the State in collecting money to support only one side of a controversial and divisive political issue. Thus, the bill is tantamount to State sponsorship of a political message that is in conflict with our Constitutional rights as upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. If the bill is signed into law it is certain to be challenged in court and will subject Michigan taxpayers to the expense of defending a law that is likely to be overturned."

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted against HB 4759 because it would not fund agencies that offer a broad range of family planning services and counseling to women."

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I yield to none in this body in my opposition to the practice of abortion, and to the legal sanction given to this reprehensible practice. A fetus is a human being and should be afforded legal protection as such, regardless of whether it is within or beyond its mother's womb. I have and will continue to cast votes that will move this society and its laws toward a greater recognition and respect for the human rights of ALL persons, and towards a more inclusive definition of what it means to be a human.

Though I share this cause with the supporters of this legislation, I believe that this particular bill will ultimately do a disservice to our common goals. The 'Choose Life Fund' sets a worrisome precedent. Today, we have the votes to establish a new license plate and a fund that endorses our respect and reverence for all human life, and we have a Governor who will sign it into law. Tomorrow, maybe a tomorrow not too far from now, the table may be turned on us. We could have a legislature and a Governor disposed toward a 'Pro Abortion Fund', complete with matching license plate. Those representatives will not need as much legislative support for their proposal, because they will come armed with the precedent that we give them today.

It grieves me to cast a vote against my compatriots in this noble cause. I believe that we have moved forward on many fronts, and look forward to future progress. Hopefully, my fears regarding this matter will never manifest themselves. But, if they do, I cannot in good conscience cast a vote today that will empower our opponents tomorrow."