KCMO Morning Show Blog

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan must certify ballot language before it goes to a vote of the people next fall. The groups Cures Without Cloning and Missouri Civil Rights Initiative have both submitted clear ballot language to Ms. Carnahan. "Cures" seeks to officially ban human cloning in Missouri. Connerly's group seeks to ban the practice of preferential treatment by state agencies to minorities in hiring, college admission, contract labor, etc. Both issues are widely supported nationwide. Human cloning is banned in most states and California, Washington, and Michigan voters have all adopted Connerly's initiative.

However, neither of these groups fit Carnahan's political agenda. So, Carnahan has taken the liberty of redrafting the ballot language to confuse some and pander to others. Read both of the original submissions, then read how Carnahan has butchered their meaning - leading both groups to file lawsuits and call for her impeachment.

Cures Without Cloning ballot language:

Section 38(e)

It shall be unlawful to clone or attempt to clone a human being as that term is defined in subsection 2 of this section. Researchers may conduct stem cell research to discover cures for disease and develop stem cell therapies and cures, provided that the research complies with the limitations of this section and the limitations of Section 38(d). The prohibition of this section shall be in addition to the prohibitions of Section 38(d).

For all purposes within this article, “Clone or attempt to clone a human being” means create or attempt to create a human embryo at any stage, which shall include the one-cell stage onward, by any means other than fertilization of a human egg by a human sperm.

No taxpayer dollars shall be expended:

to clone or attempt to clone a human being; or to research or experiment using a human embryo, or any part of a human embryo, derived from cloning or attempting to clone a human being.


Carnahan's Version:

(note how she tricks you into thinking you're repealing a ban that doesn't exist. She counts on folks being confused.)

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to repeal the current ban on human cloning or attempted cloning and to limit Missouri patients’ access to stem cell research, therapies and cures approved by voters in November 2006 by:

· redefining the ban on human cloning or attempted cloning to criminalize and impose civil penalties for some currently allowed research, therapies and cures; and

· prohibiting hospitals or other institutions from using public funds to conduct such research?


Missouri Civil Rights Initiative ballot language:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prohibit any form of discrimination as an act of the state by declaring:

• The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting?

Carnahan's Version:

(note how she editorializes suggesting a "yes" vote would encourage discrimination)

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

1. ban affirmative action programs designed to eliminate discrimination against, and improve opportunities for, women and minorities in public contracting, employment and education; and

2. allow preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to meet federal program funds eligibility standards as well as preferential treatment for bona fide qualifications based on sex?