Missouri Amendment 3 Leverages Anti-Trans Sentiment Against Abortion

The vote on abortion was close last time and decided by fewer than 100,000 ballots. 

Moreover . . . The close defeat came by way of very little leadership from state officials.

This time around . . .

The tactic is cynical but probably more effective . . . Rather than talking about abortion, the main debate is over trans issues, surgeries and sentiment.  

Here's an apt description that we found helpful . . . 

"The new proposal combines abortion restrictions with exceptions and a separate issue supporters believe can attract additional votes: prohibiting gender-transition care for people younger than 18.

"The prohibition goes beyond surgery. It includes puberty blockers, which delay puberty, and hormones used to develop physical characteristics consistent with a person’s gender identity. Gender-transition surgeries alter physical sex characteristics. The measure includes exceptions for specified medical conditions. www.sos.mo.gov

"Missouri already restricts these treatments for minors under state law. Adding the prohibition to the constitution would make it harder to change.

"Its political purpose is more than speculation. Tom Estes, a Republican Senate staffer working on the campaign, told The 19th that the transgender provision could reach voters the campaign failed to win previously."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Missouri Voted for Abortion Rights. Why Are They on the Ballot Again?