By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Roundtable for Life has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Robin Carnahan over language used in a ballot initiative regarding funding for abortion services and human cloning.
The group says it wanted the language to read in part that it would be unlawful to expend, pay, or grant public funds for abortion services, human cloning, and prohibited human research.
The language drafted by the Secretary of State's office asks in part if it should be illegal for state funds to go to hospitals or other institutions for certain research and services.
Steve Clark is attorney for Missouri Roundtable for Life.
"We're asking for the courts to rewrite the language in a fair and mutual and impartial manner as the law requires," Clark said.
Carnahan spokesman Ryan Hobart says the language they're using is fair and sufficient, and accurately describes the proposed constitutional change.
"Ballot summary statements are not written for the proponents or opponents of any initiatives...they're written so Missourians can understand what it is that they are voting for or against," Hobart said.
The lawsuit also names State Auditor Susan Montee and Attorney General Chris Koster. They're accused in the suit, along with Carnahan, of conspiring to prepare an unfair ballot summary.
Hobart calls the accusation completely baseless.
Carnahan lost a similar lawsuit last year over a proposed anti-Affirmative Action ballot question, but later won on appeal.