The state of Mississippi has insisted that Personhood Mississippi volunteers turn in petitions today, one day before their one year deadline, despite a recently declared state of emergency.
Governor Barbour has declared a state of emergency, and ordered that all government offices and buildings be closed. "I urge everyone to exercise caution in this winter storm, and travel only when necessary," the Governor stated on his website. The executive order was also signed by Secretary of State Hosemann.
Despite the terrible weather and dangerous road conditions, Personhood Mississippi Sponsor Les Riley has been directed to submit the signatures today, and was told that regardless of the weather, the Secretary of State's office is expecting the signatures by 5pm -- yet no one is answering the phone at the Secretary of State's office, and it appears that the office is closed.
"The Governor warned everyone in the state only to travel when necessary, except for those working on the Personhood Amendment," observed Attorney Stephen Crampton. "Personhood Mississippi has been singled out, and it is putting undue hardship on its volunteers. I would never have expected the State of Emergency to apply to everyone but those working for Personhood."
Personhood Mississippi's 10am court hearing this morning was delayed because of the weather. The hearing was for the recently filed a lawsuit in an attempt to clarify the intent of the law, giving volunteers the full twelve months to circulate petitions as outlined by statutes and the County Circuit Clerk the time needed to correctly validate the signatures.
"We have over 114,000 signatures, with over 95,000 certified," announced amendment sponsor Les Riley. "Our volunteers have already gladly sacrificed countless hours getting signatures. Now they are asking us to sacrifice our safety to turn in these signatures. I am willing to make the trip because this is a life and death issue. We know that all human beings are people, from the moment of their biological beginning, and we are willing to do whatever we are able to see that all human life is valued and protected."
Personhood Mississippi is a grassroots organization comprised of Mississippi citizens who value all human life, from biological beginning to natural death.
Contact: Les Riley
Source: Personhood Mississippi
Publish Date: February 12, 2010
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