It all seemed so simple, didn't it? Virginia has anti-choice speciality licence plates, with some of the dough raised going to fake pregnancy clinics (aka 'crisis pregnancy centres'). So why shouldn't there be pro-choice licence plates, with dough going to the pro-choice outfit that organized the campaign for them?
Having been advised that there'd be a dandy lawsuit if denied, legislators in both houses passed bills allowing them.
But. The lower house is controlled by Rethuglicans, so they threw a spanner in the works.
The House of Delegates gave preliminary approval Monday to a special license plate promoting abortion rights, but voted to deny any of the proceeds to the sponsoring organization.
Del. Robert Brink’s bill, HB1108, would authorize a plate with the message “Trust Women/Respect Choice.” As submitted, the measure would have directed a portion of the proceeds to the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood for women’s health services.
As amended on the House floor by Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County, the bill instead directs the funds to the Virginia Pregnant Women Support Fund, a fund administered by the state Board of Health to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. Gilbert’s amendment was adopted 56-39.
Brink, D-Arlington County, said Gilbert was unfairly punishing an organization that followed the proper procedures for sponsoring a special plate, including collecting at least 350 signatures on a petition. No other organization has been treated that way, he said.
This despite the fact that Planned Parenthood pledged that no, none, zero, zip, nada of the money would be used to fund abortions.
Apparently, these women (and presumably men too) are not to be trusted.
But then the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a similar bill that would direct the money to PP.
Aieeee. Merkins go insane over abortion.
If they come up with a 'bipartisan' solution to this little pickle, I'll report it.
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