GOP lawmakers object allowing voters to repeal abortion ban, Democrats rally for abortion access
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers swiftly rejected Gov. Tony Evers' special session that would have created an avenue for voters to decide whether to repeal Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban.
Under 30 seconds, the GOP-controlled Assembly and Senate gaveled in and out of Gov. Evers' special session.
The move was expected after Republican leaders signaled they would ignore Evers' proposal that would have allowed voters to file petitions to reject laws passed by the Legislature, such as the state's 173-year old abortion ban that bans the procedure unless a mother's life is in danger.
Evers' attempt comes as abortion policy remains a top issue among voters in the battleground state ahead of the November election, according to recent polling.
Dozens of abortion rights supporters criticized Republicans' inaction at a rally outside the state Capitol following Tuesday's session.
Gov. Evers, who's in a tight race against Republican businessman Tim Michels, said November's election will decide the future of abortion access and emphasized his opponent has been a vocal support of the 1849 state abortion ban.
"Our state will look very different if we elect Tim Michels," Evers said. "We have to win. We cannot afford to have Wisconsin become the worst state in the union."
Michels has campaigned repeatedly in support of the 1849 ban, which includes no exceptions for rape or incest. However, two weeks ago, Michels reversed his stance and vowed to sign a bill adding exceptions to the abortion ban if elected.
At a campaign stop in Baraboo where he received an endorsement from the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Michels said he's "been very clear and consistent" on his views and is willing to work with the Legislature on abortion legislation "because the people have spoken."
"The Legislature is the representative of the people," said Michels. "If the people bring that [bill] before me, I understand this is not an authoritarian government. This is a representative democracy and I would sign that bill."
Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said Michels' comments show voters "can't trust him."
Radical Tim Michels will say whatever he thinks Wisconsinites want to hear. But we can't trust him.
— Ben Wikler (@benwikler) October 4, 2022
If the Wisconsin Legislature passed an even MORE restrictive abortion ban—ending the exception for the life of the mother—would Tim Michels sign THAT bill? Signs point to yes. https://t.co/7HarC2A109
Under the governor's proposal, voters would have been able to bypass the Legislature to repeal the criminal abortion ban that only allows women abortion if their life is at risk.
Currently, voters cannot act without approval from the Legislature to place referendums on the ballot to pass new laws.
In Kansas, voters this summer were able to block an effort to change the state's constitution that would have allowed lawmakers to ban abortion.
Statewide polling conducted last month shows 83% of voters support allowing women to have an abortion if she became pregnant as the result or rape or incest, according to the Marquette University Law School Poll.