PRESS RELEASE

(10/9/2006)

South Dakota State House Leader: "I fully support Referred Law 6"

Statement comes on the heels of quotes taken out of context by certain media sources

UNION CENTER, Oct 9 – “I want to be very clear on this. I voted for HB 1215, and I fully support Referred Law Six,” said South Dakota State House Majority Leader, Rep. Larry Rhoden. “It is well written and expresses the intent of the legislature that abortion is harmful to women’s health, and that survivors of rape and incest deserve the options in Section 3 of the law.”

Rep. Rhoden’s comments came after several news outlets misquoted him in reports concerning Referred Law 6 earlier today.

Rep. Rhoden also pointed to a recent Zogby International poll that shows that momentum has swung in favor of a “YES” vote on the initiative.

“Whereas early polling had us behind, the most recent survey by Zogby International showed that South Dakota voters are lining up in support of Referred Law Six; the race is now a dead heat. And, when South Dakotans understand that Referred Law Six includes considerations for rape and incest, the result is a landslide victory.”

When Zogby asked where they stood on the issue 44% of South Dakota voters said they would vote yes on Referred Law Six, whereas 47% reported leaning toward a no vote, a difference well within the poll’s margin of error. When those who disagreed with the law were asked if they would support the bill knowing a rape and incest provision was in fact included, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of a yes vote on Referred Law Six.

“Section 3 is a rape and incest provision that allows women to get back to health and wholeness. Isn’t that what we really want for our mothers, wives and daughters?” concluded Rep. Rhoden.