Moscow senator dives into deep end

NewImageForeman to introduce a trio of controversial bills during ’18 session

Via the LMT

Moscow Sen. Dan Foreman hopes to hit a political trifecta of sorts by introducing bills dealing with guns, abortion and immigration during the 2018 legislative session.

All three issues highlight the partisan divide between Republicans and Democrats. They spark controversy and inflame passions – and to some extent, that’s exactly why Foreman likes them.

“I like standing up and fighting for something I believe in,” he said. “That means I’m usually in the mix on controversial subjects – and that’s OK. The reason they’re controversial is because people really care about them. I like it when people are passionate, pro or con.”

 
 

Foreman made waves in 2017 when he proposed legislation charging women who received abortions, as well as their doctors, with first-degree murder, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. The bill never received an introductory hearing.

This year he hopes to advance a similar measure. It would remove abortion as an “affirmative defense” under Idaho’s homicide statutes, he said, meaning women and doctors could be charged with murder. However, rather than simply enact the change legislatively, he wants the proposed language to go on the ballot, so Idaho voters can weigh in.

“I don’t know if I can get the bill through committee,” Foreman said. “It rubs up against the Supreme Court ruling (protecting a woman’s right to an abortion), but it would at least get people talking about what we can do in Idaho to stop abortion.”

Foreman said he’s also working on two “anti-sanctuary” bills to block state funding for cities, schools, colleges or universities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Right-Mind