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10 States Set to Vote on Abortion Rights Amendments in 2024 Elections
After months of collecting signatures, filing petitions, and navigating courts, constitutional amendments to safeguard or extend abortion rights are set to appear on the general election ballots in ten states.
Voters in swing states (Arizona and Nevada), blue-leaning states (Colorado, Maryland, and New York), and red-leaning states (Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota) will be able to personally decide the future of abortion access this fall. Only Arkansas organisers gathered enough signatures to qualify an abortion rights amendment for the ballot this year.
Since the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, these ten efforts will be the most recent attempts to include abortion access in state constitutions.
Here’s what the proposed amendments would do if they passed, as well as how they’d affect the states’ current abortion care legislation.
Arizona
The proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot in this critical southwestern battleground would create a “fundamental right” to abortion up until foetal viability, or around the 24th week of pregnancy. After that, the legislation would prohibit the state from regulating abortion in cases when the pregnant person’s health or life is in danger, according to the treating health care expert.
Abortion is lawful in Arizona until the 15th week of pregnancy, with exceptions for life-saving reasons and no exceptions for rape or incest. If voters accept the proposed ballot initiative in November, it will effectively end the 15-week prohibition. It requires a simple majority of votes to pass.
Colorado
Colorado’s proposed amendment would explicitly recognise the right to abortion and prohibit discrimination against its exercise.
It also specifically specifies that the government may not limit abortion coverage under health insurance plans, including those for public employees and those subsidised by the government. This legislation would effectively repeal a 1984 statute prohibiting people from using their health insurance to pay for abortion care.
The ballot measure in Colorado, where there are no abortion restrictions and no gestational limits for women seeking abortions, is meant to permanently enshrine those rights, which organisers say is critical to preventing lawmakers from undoing them in the future.
To pass in November, the proposition must receive 55% of voter support, not just a simple majority, according to state law.
Florida
The state’s ballot measure prohibits limits on abortion before foetal viability, with exceptions for “the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”
The proposed amendment would eliminate the state’s six-week abortion restriction, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the woman’s life.
According to Florida law, the proposition needs get 60% of voter approval in November, rather than a simple majority, to pass.
Maryland
Maryland lawmakers, who control the amendment process rather than citizens, voted to place a proposition on the ballot that would include abortion rights in the state constitution.
The proposed phrase would provide the right to “make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.”
Abortion is already authorised in the state until foetal viability, with exceptions when the woman’s life or health is endangered or a foetal anomaly is discovered. A simple majority is required for passage.
Missouri
Missouri’s proposed amendment protects abortion rights until foetal viability, with exceptions for the mother’s life and health.
The amendment expressly states that the government “shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” which the amendment defines as all decisions related to reproductive health care, including “birth control,” “abortion care,” and “miscarriage care” — up until foetal viability. The plan also states that any “denial, interference, delay, or restriction” of such care is “invalid.”
After then, the government may control abortion unless a treating health care expert determines that the mother’s “life, physical, or mental health” is at risk.
The amendment allows lawmakers and state officials to restrict abortion rights if it improves or maintains a person’s health, aligns with clinical standards and evidence-based medicine, and does not interfere with their autonomy.
Missouri now has one of the harshest abortion laws in the United States, with exceptions for the mother’s life and medical emergency. If the amendment were to succeed, it would effectively repeal the statute. A simple majority is required for passage.
Montana
Montana’s ballot issue proposes amending the state constitution to grant the right to “make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion.” likewise “prohibit the government from denying or burdening the right to abortion before foetal viability,” and it will “prohibit the government from denying or burdening access to an abortion when a treating healthcare professional determines it is medically indicated to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.”
Enshrining abortion rights in Montana’s constitution would make it more difficult for lawmakers to repeal present protections, as abortion is now lawful up until foetal viability. A simple majority is required for passage.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, two competing constitutional amendments will be on the November ballot.
One ballot initiative, “Protect the Right to Abortion,” would change the state’s constitution to specify that “all persons shall have a fundamental right to abortion until foetal viability, or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”
The other, known as “Protect Women and Children,” prohibits abortions in the second and third trimesters, with the exception of a medical emergency or a pregnancy caused by sexual assault or incest.
Nebraska law now prohibits abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, with the exception of rape, incest, and preserving the mother’s life. The pro-abortion rights bill would virtually repeal the law, whilst the other would essentially codify it into the state constitution.
To pass in Nebraska, a ballot proposal must get a majority of the vote and at least 35% of the total votes cast in the election in favour. If both amendments pass, the one that receives the most votes wins.
Nevada
In Nevada, abortion is already permitted until the 24th week of pregnancy.To guarantee abortion rights up to foetal viability, reproductive rights campaigners successfully placed a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
According to state law, even if the initiative succeeds in November, voters must approve it again in 2026 before the Nevada constitution is formally altered.
New York
The amendment process in New York, like in Maryland, is controlled by lawmakers rather than citizens. State legislators voted to place a referendum on the ballot that would include abortion rights in the state constitution.
The Equal Protection of Law Amendment would safeguard a person’s “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy” by enshrining rights in the state constitution, without specifically mentioning abortion.
Abortion is lawful in New York up until about the 24th week of pregnancy. Passing the plan, which requires only a simple majority, would effectively constitutionalise those projections.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s proposed constitutional amendment would legalise abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. It would permit “regulation” of abortion by the state in the second trimester of pregnancy, although such control “must be reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman.”
The amendment would authorise “regulation or prohibition” by the state in the third trimester, unless a physician determines that the care is required to “preserve the life or health” of the woman.
If passed, the amendment will effectively repeal the state’s near-total abortion restriction, which was reinstated when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. The rule, which abortion advocates claim is among the most stringent in the United States, outlaws all abortions except when necessary to save the woman’s life.
(VOR News) – Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida who is a supporter of the MAGA cry, is accused of attending a drugged-up sex party with a 17-year-old girl whom he has claimed for a long time that he does not know.
This accusation is based on the findings of three eyewitnesses who were referenced in late-night court documents.
In a report published by the news organisation NOTUS, it is stated that the young girl arrived at the party on July 15, 2017, driving the vehicle that belonged to her mother.
Lobbyist Chris Dorworth hosted Matt Gaetz’s Lake Mary meeting.
Additionally, it was stated that Matt Gaetz and the other individuals who attended the event were there to “engage in sexual activities” and to enjoy “alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy… and marijuana.”
Files submitted to the court are the source of this material. At that time, the young lady was a junior in high school, and she proved to be of considerable aid to Matt Gaetz and the other guests who were there at the event itself.
The previous year, Dorworth filed a civil case, saying that he had been unfairly brought into earlier sex trafficking charges made against Matt Gaetz and his accomplices. Dorworth’s lawsuit was filed in the courts of the United States.
The claims that were expressed are included in affidavits that have been sealed and sworn, and they are a component of the legal case that is currently being pursued. Three years ago, Matt Gaetz was accused of having sexual connections with kids due to the allegations that were presented against him.
Gaetz allegedly hired Joel Greenberg, a discredited local police officer and his former friend, to set up sexual encounters with young ladies, one of which was a girl who was allegedly 17 years old.
Greenberg claims that Gaetz paid Greenberg to do everything. Allegations were made by Greenberg in a statement that was made available to the general audience. According to Greenberg, Matt Gaetz allegedly paid him a salary in exchange for arranging sexual encounters for young women through his services.
There were a number of transactions that took occurred on Venmo, and according to these reports, they looked to provide evidence that Greenberg’s account was accurate.
In spite of this, Matt Gaetz disputed any responsibility for the occurrence in a furious manner, and in the year 2021, he continued to argue to Tucker Carlson, an anchor for Fox News, claiming “the person does not exist.” Having a romantic connection with a young person of 17 years old is not something I have ever really done before. In no way, shape, or form is that assertion accurate.
Greenberg is currently doing eleven years in jail for his offences, which include fraud and sex trafficking involving children. Because of his conviction, Greenberg is currently completing his sentence.
No charges were filed against Matt Gaetz.
Despite the fact that federal officials conducted an investigation into the possibility that he was guilty of being a criminal accomplice.
A forensic study that was referenced in the court records that were filed on Thursday night revealed that the congressman texted Dorworth roughly thirty times on the day of the celebration in 2017. Additionally, the congressman called Dorworth twice before the festivities began.
This information was gleaned from court documents. These are further pieces of proof, as stated by the attorneys, showing Matt Gaetz participated in the scheme that involved sexual contact involving kids while being fully aware of his acts.
According to NOTUS, which reported that Gaetz did not respond to a request for comment, the written testimony provides evidence that confirms material that was previously only known to be rumours.
This information was previously unknown. In a text message that Dorworth gave to the publication early on Friday morning, he indicated that, according to the information that was provided, he “never met” the girl who was 17 years old. In response to the claims, Dorworth provided this response.
The claims state that Dorworth made the statement, “She is also lying about Matt Gaetz,” and he claimed that the results of a previous lie detector test would validate his account of the events. The allegations are based on the fact that Dorworth made the comment.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT
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Donald Trump Says Jewish Voters have “No Excuse” for Backing Harris.
Trump Vows To Be ‘Best Friend’ To Jewish Americans, As Allegations Of Ally’s Antisemitism Surface
(VOR News) – Former President Donald Trump is using his “guardian” status in Israel to deter Jewish voters from backing Vice President Harris.
On Thursday night, Trump spoke at the Israeli-American Council gathering in Washington, D.C., commemorating the October 7 blasts that started Israel’s war with Hamas.
In front of a mostly friendly audience, Donald Trump boasted about his past backing of Israel and claimed—without evidence—that the Jewish state would soon disappear if he were not elected.
Donald Trump said your conversation was about ultimate annihilation.
“I am a significant protector of yours.” No opponent will defend you. Donald Trump also said “Jewish people have no excuse” for embracing Harris and accused her of “pandering” to Hamas sympathisers. Hamas killed 1,200 people, including some Americans, and captured about 200 others, mostly civilians, on October 7.
Health officials in Gaza say nearly 40,000 Palestinians have died since then. Israel’s right to self-defence is supported by Harris and Gaza’s suffering is described as “devastatin.”
Trump repeated his comments about Jewish people, who often favour Democrats. “Anyone who is Jewish and loves Israel and votes for a Democrat is a fool,” Donald Trump said, calling Senator Harris’ supporters fools.
Jewish groups criticised the remarks.
In a post on X, Jewish Council for Public Affairs CEO Amy Spitalnick implored her supporters to stop labelling her opponents as disloyal or mad. She said Trump’s antisemitic caricatures will “further escalate anti-Jewish violence.”
ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan A. Greenblatt expressed similar concerns in a statement.
Expecting to blame American Jews for your election loss is pointless. The speaker said left-wing anti-Zionists and right-wing extremists demonising and demeaning Jews during a vulnerable period alienates them. He said Trump’s words could “spark more hostility and further inflame an already bad situation.”
Spitalnick also criticised Donald Trump’s comments on Middle Eastern immigrants and his plan to re-establish the “Muslim ban” by refusing refugees from “terror-infested areas like the Gaza Strip.”
Spitalnick said “If the antisemitism wasn’t enough, he coupled it with full-on Islamophobia & racism.”
Trump shared platform anecdotes about a turning point in his understanding of Israeli domestic affairs. Trump announced his Republican presidential candidacy in 2015 by saying he was in Iowa to address “very religious Christians.”
Trump was surprised when his host suggested he “say something good about Israel.” He said “I conveyed the extent to which things have evolved.”
Donald Trump persists.
I reiterated, “We will save Israel, we will fight for Israel, and we love Israel.” The audience spontaneously erupted. “What the hell is going on?”
Exclamation was my response. Declared Donald Trump. They have a deep admiration for Israel. I am sorry to inform you that they occasionally have a stronger affection for Israel than New York Jews.
Trump has frequently accused Jewish Democrats of being anti-Israel; his recent words were only the latest.
Most Americans support the Jewish state, but white evangelicals are among the most supportive, according to polls. Most American Jews believe Israel has legitimate grounds to confront Hamas, although younger Jews disagree with Israel’s response to the October 7 incident.
Many Jewish voters support Donald Trump.
Perri Finkelstein, a 33-year-old American-Israeli dual citizen living in Israel, told NPR that she wants to vote for the best candidate for Israel. Finkelstein thanked Trump for moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and naming Jerusalem Israel’s capital.
“I don’t think I have to like him to know that he will act honourably towards my country,” she said.
Maryland radioologist Danny Eisenberg, 73, called Trump’s comments regarding Jewish electors “crazy” and “a little antisemitic.” He thought Trump had overstated his support for Israel. Eisenberg told NPR that Donald Trump’s pullout from the Iran nuclear accord had heightened regional instability.
Trump addressed the Israeli-American Council after five more prisoners and 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin were found shot dead in a Gaza Hamas tunnel.
SOURCE: NPR
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Reddit is Down Once More as Thousands Receive Server Error Messages.
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(VOR News) – This “server error” that has happened on the Reddit platform is presently being taken care of by the people of the social media website Reddit, who are working very hard to find a solution to the issue.
This mistake occurred tonight, which is the current occasion.
As a consequence of the widespread issue that has led to Reddit’s inability to function properly, users on the internet are experiencing difficulties viewing or submitting any information.
It is a consequence of the fact that users are having problems doing either of these things that this has come about. As a result of the challenges that were encountered on August 28, the website has been taken offline for the second time in the span of one month.
The website was pulled offline for the very first time, and this comes after that took place. Since it was initially activated, it has been taken offline for the second time. This is the same as the first time.
During the peak of the issue, which occurred at approximately eight o’clock in the evening and was observed in the United Kingdom, there were approximately 6,000 users who reported experiencing troubles. These users indicated that they were experiencing problems.
Reddit reported the issue in the UK.
In all of the locations across the world where it is accessible, the website Downdetector, which is responsible for monitoring outages in real time, discloses that Reddit suffered its initial troubles at roughly 7.30 p.m. in all of those locations.
From the flip side of the coin, the United Kingdom has been the location where most of these issues have been documented at this point in time.
During this specific evening, Twitter/X demonstrated that it is the platform that users of a number of social networking websites like to use.
The following observation was made by the user on Twitter/X exactly one moment after they spotted the amusing webpage: “I was 61 comments deep into a 9-year-old thread about existentialism.” Someone else made a joke about it by adding, “Coming to Twitter to check if Reddit is down and seeing how addicted I and everyone else is.”
This joke was about Reddit addiction.
Given the setting, this was a joke. Reddit has been contacted by The Mirror in an effort to obtain a reaction regarding the problem at this point in time.
We were informed by the program that it “encountered an error” when it crashed during the month of August; however, a solution was established in a short amount of time after the crash occurred.
You have the power to vote on and support information that has been socially curated and promoted by other users online on Reddit, which is a social news website and forum. Reddit is a group of people who share news and opinions online.
Reddit users have the ability to vote on and support a variety of different types of content available on the platform. The website’s name, which is a pun, is a combination of the words “I read it.” The joke is intended to be humorous. After the website was initially developed, the pun was conceived.
The month of June 2005 marked the beginning of its existence, and by the month of October of the previous year, it had risen to the 18th position on the list of websites that receive the most visitors from all over the world. This accomplishment was already attained by the time it reached the 18th spot in the rankings.
SOURCE: MIRROR
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Recent Court Filings Accuse Matt Gaetz of Attending a Drug-Fuelled Sex Party with Minors.
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