MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WSAU) – Governor Tony Evers has called a special session to create a pathway to repeal Wisconsin’s 173-year-old abortion ban.
The proposal would create a statewide binding referendum process through a constitutional amendment, allowing voters to file petitions with the Wisconsin Elections Commission to hold a vote on proposed state laws and constitutional amendments or to repeal current state laws.
“On the ceiling of the Governor’s Conference Room in the Capitol is a phrase I’ve often repeated over the last three years: ‘the will of the people is the law of the land.’ Well, right now in Wisconsin, when it comes to reproductive freedom, the will of the people isn’t the law of the land—but it damn well should be,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “Today, I’m calling the Legislature into special session to create a pathway for Wisconsinites to be able to repeal our 1849-era criminal abortion ban and to ensure women across our state will go back to having the same rights now that they did the day before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade without having to wait for the courts.”
If a sufficient number of signatures by qualified electors are validated by WEC, a vote would be held at the next general election at least 120 days after the petition is filed.
Under the proposal, a simple majority vote is required to decide the referendum.
However, the Governor’s track record with special sessions is less than perfect. Lawmakers have repeatedly gaveled in and out without action, including sessions on topics like gun control legislation, what to do with the state’s current budget surplus, and one previous attempt to consider changes to the state’s abortion law.
Last month, Republicans who control the state Legislature, asked a judge to dismiss Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul’s lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s abortion ban. Kaul filed the lawsuit in June after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade.
