SALINE COUNTY, Ark. — On Monday night, the Saline County Quorum Court passed a resolution saying that they oppose the Arkansas Abortion Amendment.
During public comment, people from both sides of the aisle gave their opinions on this. Some said the court should not waste taxpayer dollars on a resolution that does nothing except declare their opinion— others agreed with taking the stance.
"We have the right to assemble, we have the right to petition, and we have the right to have our voices heard," said Saline County Resident Brittany Smith.
"I have the utmost confidence in this court and I thank you for considering this resolution," said Saline County Resident Bob Vitt.
Several people went up to the podium to give their opinions on a resolution brought forth by the Saline County Quorum Court.
The resolution declares the court is opposed to the proposed Arkansas Abortion Amendment.
The county court took a similar stance in 2021 where they passed a resolution to be a pro-life area.
"Yes, we are using our platform to promote what we personally believe in this instance and I don't see anything wrong with that," said Saline County Justice of the Peace Rick Bellinger.
The Arkansas Abortion Amendment is a proposed ballot that has still been getting signatures around the state.
The amendment would protect the right to have an abortion at up to 18 weeks after fertilization. There are also exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, and mother's health.
The group Arkansans for Limited Government is sponsoring the ballot amendment.
The Attorney General has approved the ballot title. Now, the group has to collect more than 90,000 signatures before it can be decided by Arkansans at the polls.
"We don't believe the state should be making those decisions for families and for doctors and we are trying to keep politicians out of the exam room," said Samuel Watson with the petition group.
The petition group does not have an accurate, up-to-date, count on signatures so far, but the group said they have hundreds of volunteers out collecting.
They have to get those signatures by July to be considered by the Secretary of State to get on the ballot.