Just some interesting things that have come my way...

These are some new laws that have been decided on as of last week's election:

Massachusetts Question 2

Decriminalize Marijuana
This proposed law would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties, to be enforced by issuing citations, and would exclude information regarding this civil offense from the state's criminal record information system. Offenders age 18 or older would be subject to forfeiture of the marijuana plus a civil penalty of $100. Offenders under the age of 18 would be subject to the same forfeiture and, if they complete a drug awareness program within one year of the offense, the same $100 penalty.


Option Vote% Total Votes
YES 65% 1,938,366
NO 35% 1,036,050

100 % Reporting

South Dakota Initiative 11

Abortion Ban
Currently a woman may obtain an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 24 weeks, abortions may be performed only if necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman. Measure 11 would prohibit all abortions performed by medical procedures or substances administered to terminate a pregnancy, except for: abortions medically necessary to prevent death or the serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily organ or system of the woman; and abortions to terminate a pregnancy of less than 20 weeks resulting from rape or incest reported to law enforcement. When an abortion is performed as a result of reported rape or incest, the woman must consent to biological sampling from herself and the embryo or fetus for DNA testing by law enforcement. Measure 11 would allow the provision of contraception substances prior to the time pregnancy can be determined by conventional medical testing, or assistance in obtaining abortions in states where the procedure is legal. If approved, Measure 11 will likely be challenged in court and may be declared to be in violation of the United States Constitution. The State may be required to pay attorneys fees and costs.


Option Vote% Total Votes
YES 45% 167,295
NO 55% 206,312

100 % Reporting

Washington Initiative 1000

Medical Choice
This measure would permit terminally ill, competent, adult Washington residents medically predicted to die within six months, to request and self-administer lethal medication prescribed by a physician. The measure requires two oral and one written request, two physicians to diagnose the patient and determine the patient is competent, a waiting period, and physician verification of an informed patient decision. Physicians, patients and others acting in good faith compliance would have criminal and civil immunity.


Option Vote% Total Votes
YES 59% 942,261
NO 41% 663,945

55 % Reporting

So, in essence, people can buy pot, have abortions, and kill themselves if two doctors say its OK, but if I fall in love with a woman and want to marry her, I can't do it in, what, 48 out of 50 states? What bullshit.