Nevada Judge James T Russell rejects attempt to enshrine abortion rights on 2024 ballot
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: In a significant blow to advocates seeking to cement reproductive rights in Nevada's Constitution, District Judge James T Russell has rejected a proposed 2024 ballot initiative.
The initiative aimed to enshrine a broad spectrum of reproductive rights, including abortion, encountered a roadblock as Russell sided with the Coalition for Parents and Children PAC, deeming the initiative a violation of the single-subject rule, as per The Hill.
Republican Judge James T. Russell, son of former Nevada Republican governor, rejects attempt to get abortion protections on 2024 Nevada ballot.https://t.co/5zB92foV7j pic.twitter.com/b23KGFF3CM
— Cat, Reigning Typo Queen👑😷🌻NO DMs (@typo_cat) November 23, 2023
Judge Russell deemed the proposed initiative as violating single-subject rule
Judge Russell's decision deemed the proposed initiative as violating the single-subject rule, citing its broadness and the inclusion of disparate subjects unrelated to one another.
He emphasized the lack of functional relationships among the numerous subjects encompassed within the initiative, marking it as a clear violation.
The initiative, filed by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, sought to secure an extensive range of reproductive freedoms within the state's Constitution. This encompassed decisions concerning pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, various medical procedures including abortion, and more.
Reproductive rights advocates in Nevada determined to press forward despite setback
Despite the setback, advocates for reproductive rights are determined to press forward. The president of Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, Lindsey Harmon, expressed their intent to appeal the decision.
Harmon emphasized the overwhelming support among Nevadans for incorporating reproductive rights into the state constitution and their determination not to be dissuaded by one judge's ruling.
Should the Nevada Supreme Court reverse the decision, supporters of the initiative would need to collect over 100,000 signatures by July 8 to secure a spot on the 2024 ballot. Success would see Nevada join a handful of states, including Ohio, in solidifying abortion access via ballot measures.
The battle for reproductive rights in Nevada is not new. The state currently allows abortion up to 24 weeks following a 1990 referendum. However, the attempt to inscribe these rights into the constitution marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over reproductive freedoms.
Public opinion in the United States largely supports legal abortion in the early stages of pregnancy, reflecting a sentiment echoed in various elections post the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, according to AP News.
Who is James T Russell?
James T Russell serves as a judge in the First District Court of Nevada since January 2007. He secured re-election unopposed in 2014, extending his term until January 3, 2021, Ballotpedia reports.
Appointed to the bench by moderate Republican Governor Kenny Guinn, Russell is the son of former Republican Governor Charles Russell. His tenure faced challenges after dismissing a lawsuit from former President Donald Trump's campaign aimed at invalidating President-elect Joe Biden's Nevada victory.
Russell's educational background includes graduating from Carson High School in 1965, earning a degree in business administration from the University of Nevada-Reno in 1969, and completing his legal studies at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1974.
Russell's earlier career involved serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971.