Wednesday, February 28, 2007

LPO Pushing Privacy Amendment; Planned Parenthood balks?

The Libertarian Party of Oregon has been trying to get the legislature to introduce a privacy clause amendment for the Oregon Constitution. The clause would be added to Article I and become section 46 and read as follows:

"The right of
individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and
may not be infringed without a showing of a compelling state interest."


According to LPO Executive Director Richard Burke, State Senator Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) was all set to be the amendment's primary sponsor. State Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland)was also a backer. Rep. Chuck Riley (D-Forest Grove) was set to introduce the bill on the House side.

And then Planned Parenthood apparently stepped in to scuttle it and everyone bailed out.

Privacy rights are the foundation of Roe v Wade. I'm confused as to why PP wouldn't be 100% behind this amendment. In addition, with all the Bush Administration's attempts to supercede the privacy of the citizenry, this seems like a no-brainer for civil rights Democrats and anti-government conservatives.

I contacted the offices of Westlund, Burdick and Riley this morning and have yet to hear exactly what prompted them to drop their support. I also contacted NARAL's press person but haven't heard back. And I contacted Planned Parenthood's lobbyist (Maura Roche) and haven't heard from her either.

What gives here?