Abortion should not be topic at constitutional convention, says Bishop Tobin
October 27, 2014
Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence has said that if the state of Rhode Island convenes a constitutional convention, issues such as abortion should not be taken under consideration.
“If there is a constitutional convention, I don’t think it would or should deal with cultural/moral/religious issues,” Bishop Tobin told the local television station WPRI. He said that such controversial issues are “better dealt with in the normal legislative process.”
Saying that the debate over whether or not to hold a constitutional convention is “primarily a political issue and nor moral or religious,” the bishop said that he would not take a public stand on the question. However he went on to say that “I tend to lean in favor of having a convention.”
Pro-life leaders in Rhode Island have not taken a stand regarding the call for a constitutional convention. But opponents of the proposed convention have cited the possibility of a contentious debate over abortion as an argument against the idea.
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Posted by: Defender -
Oct. 28, 2014 5:38 PM ET USA
I guess abortion is too off-limits to talk about. Seems like a number of bishops around the world would like to forget about the sanctity of life of these little ones.
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Posted by: unum -
Oct. 27, 2014 7:58 PM ET USA
I respect Bishop Tobin, but what qualifies him to tell the state how to conduct a constitutional convention? Our bishops are way too political!
