Editorial: NC Senate Bill 20. How NOT to make a law
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 -- The message this action sends to North Carolinians is clear: Rules are made to be bent and broken. Be warned, the whim and will of the leaders of the General Assembly will not be subject to the procedures, regulations and processes that make for an orderly democracy.
Posted — UpdatedIt took a mere 48 hours for the legislature to consider and pass a bill that forces a 72-hour waiting period on women seeking an abortion after they’ve consulted with a doctor. Introducing and passing a bill into law is a process that under normal circumstances will take weeks.
In a democracy, process in a legislative body is important. Time for deliberation isn’t an inconvenience but a necessity. It is the way that citizens are assured those they elect to represent them have a full and fair opportunity to participate in the making of laws. That’s what representative government is about.
This was legislation by ambush as Republicans connived – supposedly since January -- in secret. Then without warning, they offered up a dramatic change in state law and made sure there was as little opportunity as possible for any examination, public input, discussion or debate.
Whatever satisfaction the leaders of the General Assembly may find in overriding the veto of this bill will be overshadowed by the damage done to the institution of representative government in North Carolina.
The message this action sends to North Carolinians is clear: Rules are made to be bent and broken.
Be warned, the whim and will of the leaders of the General Assembly will not be subject to the procedures, regulations and processes that make for an orderly democracy.
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