# Missouri Voters: Tell Me About Amendment 2 **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 15, 2006, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472 "2006-10-15T00:43:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2006, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/1 "2006-10-15T00:43:34Z")
I drove through parts of Missouri this weekend, and I noticed some billboards and bumper stickers advocating different positions on Amendment 2 (namely: vote YES or vote NO). What is this all about? ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2006, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/2 "2006-10-15T01:25:19Z")
There’s lots of results when one Googles **missouri amendment 2 2006**. Seems to be about stem cell research bill. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2006, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/3 "2006-10-15T01:34:21Z")
Also known as the “Stem Cell Initiative” Amendment 2 is a ballot initiative that, if passed, would limit the state legislature’s power to regulate stem cell research – to be no more restrictive than Federal law. It’s a pro-life issue. Under current law the Missouri legislature can ban or restrict any research on embryonic stem cells, which many in the pro-life movement believe are living humans. Instead, they advocate focusing research on adult stem cells. Opponents also claim passing the amendment would permit human cloning, which supporters dency is true. I haven’t seen any recent poll numbers on Amendment 2, but it has divided the pro-life movement, with some traditional pro-life politicians (notably former Senator John Danforth) campaigning for the proposal. Both supporters and opponents are running expensive, slick campaigns. The Democratic candidate for Senate favors it, the Republican candidate, after what initially seemed to be waffling, opposes it. That’s as right-down-the-middle as I can be in describing it. ---
**Author:** ![jebert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ec9cab/32.png) [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2006, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/4 "2006-10-16T17:11:43Z")
Text of the proposed amendment is here: [http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp](http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp) It would allow embryonic stem cell research in the state, and allow residents to have access to any treatments resulting such research, regardless of where performed. It would also ban cloning - in the sense of creating a living, breathing clone of another human being. Opponents say the amendment does not ban cloning, but in fact allows it in that the scientific definition of cloning is at the cellular level. So both sides seem to be using the term “cloning” in different ways to promote their positions. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/5 "2006-10-17T13:12:34Z")
Is it likely to pass? ---
**Author:** ![Autumn\_Almanac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d26b3c/32.png) [@Autumn\_Almanac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autumn_Almanac)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/6 "2006-10-17T13:42:24Z")
[QUOTE=HeyHomie] Is it likely to pass? [/QUOTE] Hard to say. I live in St. Louis, and there’s a lot of sentiment both ways. The Catholic Church is pushing against it hard, and the Church has a lot of sway here. On the other hand, the rank-and-file Catholics here tend to be more liberal-leaning than the hierarchy. I’ve talked to a lot of people who think the Church leaders are out of touch on this issue. The ad campaigns on both sides are quite misleading about what the amendment actually says, IMO. I personally plan to vote against. ---
**Author:** ![jebert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ec9cab/32.png) [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/7 "2006-10-17T17:38:02Z")
Spending on this issue has broken records. There is big money ($28M) from a wealthy cancer survivor supporting the amendment. Opposing money (\<$5M)comes from several different pro-life groups. [http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/0DC3A4B6C59A0B598625720A001D3AF1?OpenDocument](http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/0DC3A4B6C59A0B598625720A001D3AF1?OpenDocument) It’s hard to believe that one side is being outspent by more than 5 to 1 on this, as there seems to be parity in the number of TV ads. But then I haven’t really kept score - it’s just my perception. I plan to vote for the amendment. ---
**Author:** ![GLWasteful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f05b48/32.png) [@GLWasteful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GLWasteful)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/8 "2006-10-18T16:13:16Z")
[QUOTE=HeyHomie] Is it likely to pass? [/QUOTE] Last figures I saw showed it doing quite well. I’m inclined to believe that it will. Hell, the pro-lifers who are up in arms about it are studiously ignoring the opening sentence, “No person may clone or attempt to clone a human being.” Of course, I sort of expect the-sky-is-falling nonsense from most of those who are staunchly against it. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/9 "2006-10-18T16:23:16Z")
I expect it’ll pass in KC, be defeated in rural MO, and split St. Louis down religious lines. I also expect I’ll end up destroying my $3000 TV in a fit of rage if I have to see another week of ads for this, Prop 3, and the ugly Talent-McCaskill battle to the death. But I’m voting for it. ---
**Author:** ![Autumn\_Almanac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d26b3c/32.png) [@Autumn\_Almanac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autumn_Almanac)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/10 "2006-10-18T16:58:13Z")
[QUOTE=Lightray] I also expect I’ll end up destroying my $3000 TV in a fit of rage if I have to see another week of ads for this, Prop 3, and the ugly Talent-McCaskill battle to the death. [/QUOTE] I’ll tell you what, I’ve never been so glad that I rarely watch network TV. I still have to drive down the highway though, and those billboards are mighty annoying. ---
**Author:** ![spazattak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e8cbc/32.png) [@spazattak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spazattak)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/11 "2006-10-18T16:59:14Z")
Everyone else pretty well posted what I would have (namely the text of the amendment). It is frustrating to watch the ads and yard signs. The whole argument that it would support cloning is downright ridiculous, and if anyone bothered to educate themselves as to what the process of creating stem cells actually involves, they’d know that. I think its ridiculous that it has come to this point, of having to legislate protection because of a fear that a certain portion of the population will follow their religious convictions and leaders to the point of limiting research on debilitating diseases. In principle, I’d be against this amendment, simply for the fact that you shouldn’t have to guarantee freedoms in law. But the potential for legislators to railroad this research, and damage the immensly important bio-industry in this state (known as the Biobelt) is too great to ignore. This industry creates many jobs in our state in a field that actually gives results back to the community in the form of new drugs and therapies. It’d be stupid to kick this industry in the nads so early in its existence. I would guess this last point goes to **jebert’s** question about the disparity in funding. The industry is trying to protect itself, thus pushing hard to get this amendment passed. ---
**Author:** ![GLWasteful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f05b48/32.png) [@GLWasteful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GLWasteful)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/12 "2006-10-18T18:41:42Z")
[QUOTE=spazattak] The whole argument that it would support cloning is downright ridiculous, and if anyone bothered to educate themselves as to what the process of creating stem cells actually involves, they’d know that. [/quote] Actually, I honestly believe that a lot of the people against the amendment are fully aware of what steps are required for the creation of stem cells. They just choose to hack and flail about using terms like “cloning” knowing full well that it’s a hot button term that will mobilize a group of voters with whom they happen to agree. Kinda like the travesty that occurred with “same sex marriage”. > [@](#): > > In principle, I’d be against this amendment, simply for the fact that you shouldn’t have to guarantee freedoms in law. But the potential for legislators to railroad this research, and damage the immensly important bio-industry in this state (known as the Biobelt) is too great to ignore. This industry creates many jobs in our state in a field that actually gives results back to the community in the form of new drugs and therapies. It’d be stupid to kick this industry in the nads so early in its existence. And this is quite a huge issue in KC, what with the Stowers Institute still in the process of getting on it’s feet. And as you say, it does and will create scads of jobs, which is something that is ordinarily supported. _Ce’st la vie_ and all like that, I suppose. Plus, with the forces arrayed against using the argument, “Adult stem cells are the only procedure that has yet to help, so let’s kill this latest stem cell nonsense, and rejoice in the knowledge that already exists,” they are failing to note that science has always had detractors. Hell, there currently exist people who are adamantly against the HPV immunization, which helps to eliminate the chances of someone getting cancer. Again, _c’est la vie_. ---
**Author:** ![spazattak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e8cbc/32.png) [@spazattak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spazattak)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/13 "2006-10-18T21:50:49Z")
[QUOTE=Autumn Almanac] I personally plan to vote against. [/QUOTE] Why? ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/14 "2006-11-08T17:07:36Z")
Did it pass? (Not a word about it on the Post-Dispatch’s web site) ---
**Author:** ![SanibelMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/15 "2006-11-08T17:10:45Z")
From a link on the Post-Dispatch’s home page: [Stem cell proposal wins, AP says](http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/9F7DE82B974D006D86257220002BEA72?OpenDocument) From the Kansas City Star: [Narrow lead for stem cell measure](http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/15954955.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Who](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Doctor\_Who](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Who)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/16 "2006-11-08T17:13:08Z")
[QUOTE=HeyHomie] Did it pass? (Not a word about it on the Post-Dispatch’s web site) [/QUOTE] Just barely. See [here](http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/ballot.measures/) for all your ballot measure result questions. And … on preview … damn. Oh well, post padding then. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/17 "2006-11-08T17:13:56Z")
[QUOTE=SanibelMan] From a link on the Post-Dispatch’s home page: [Stem cell proposal wins, AP says](http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/9F7DE82B974D006D86257220002BEA72?OpenDocument) From the Kansas City Star: [Narrow lead for stem cell measure](http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/15954955.htm) [/QUOTE] Oops, didn’t look hard enough. \ ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/18 "2006-11-08T17:14:32Z")
51% yes with 98% reporting. [CNN.com - Elections 2006](http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/MO/) ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/19 "2006-11-08T17:31:36Z")
It passed, and its most visibly associated candidate, Claire McCaskill, took the Missouri Senate race. (And in doing so nailed down the trifecta for the Democrats, making for a Democratic majority in the US Senate). Damn, I sure do like writing that! ---
**Author:** ![jebert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ec9cab/32.png) [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2006, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472/20 "2006-11-08T18:28:08Z")
Where was all this Dem sentiment two years ago? Oh, well. Better late than never. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-voters-tell-me-about-amendment-2/376472.md?page=2)