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SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – On May 10, health care advocacy group Dakotans For Health Minnehaha County officials suedSeeking to stop the district from enforcing the policy Prohibition of complaints transfers Near county buildings.
A federal district court has ruled in Minnehaha County’s policy change. Judge Roberto Lange issued a preliminary injunction barring the county from implementing “designated areas” for the distribution of petitions, which Dakotans Health Advocate Rick Weiland called a “victory for direct democracy.”
Dakotans traditionally use petition signatures to get important issues on the ballot for health. The group had a temporary restraining order allowing them to continue gathering signatures while they move forward with the lawsuit.
Weiland said he learned of the governor’s decision Tuesday night and was very pleased with the outcome.
“Once we heard we were on a strong footing to challenge the county, we felt good,” Weiland said. Their proposal restricts free speech in 99.3 percent of government buildings and courts.
South Dakota was the first state to adopt. Initiated laws and referendums. One example is Weyland’s process of initiating successful actions. 2014 minimum wage increase. There are 26 total states that have initiative and/or veto referendum procedures.
Dakotans saw the county’s policy change for health as an attack on direct democracy and ultimately on the will of the people.
“There are people in the legislature who don’t even believe in this process and publicly say that we are the ones who are elected, the people who have all the information and make the best decisions.” Time and time again, voters say, ‘You got that wrong.’ “The motto in South Dakota is ‘Under God, the people rule,'” Weiland explained.
Weiland noted that there are constant attacks on democratic processes, but said they will continue to fight because it is “a fight worth fighting for.”
“I have a lot of faith in the American people and South Dakotans to do the right thing,” Weiland said.
Judge Lange’s ruling still allows the county to enforce the portion of the policy that requires the petitioner’s circular conduct to “not obstruct individuals entering and exiting the building” and to act “courtesy and courteously.” and professional approach”.
“Signature gathering has been going on there for fifty years. It’s where you go,” Weiland explained.
The order is temporary, so the future of this matter is unknown. Minnehaha County Commission Administrative Officer Tom Greco released the following statement: “The commission is reviewing the court’s opinion and will work with auditor staff to ensure compliance with the judge’s decision.”
“The county has to make some decisions. They have the option to appeal to the Eighth Circuit, they have the option to go to trial under this temporary order, and ultimately if they choose not to do either, this will go forward without any challenge,” Weiland said.
Dakotans for Health is currently focused on getting enough signatures to repeal South Dakota’s Roe v. Wade trigger law and put the grocery sales tax on the ballot for the next election.
in 500 votes of registered voters In a South Dakota News Watch poll, 65% said they support a “statewide referendum to determine South Dakota’s laws regarding reproductive rights.”
Copyright 2023 KSFY. all rights reserved.
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