Scr134

TRENTON – The full Senate today approved a measure sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that would erase more than 150 years of discrimination in New Jersey’s constitution by removing insensitive and discriminatory language that currently bars certain groups from voting rights. The Senate voted unanimously to approve SCR-134, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would replace the language that currently reads: “No idiot or insane person should enjoy the right of suffrage.”

“It’s time that we end this discriminatory chapter in our state’s constitution,” said Sen. Codey. “By replacing the law that sanctions this insensitive language, we can hopefully erase the stigma attached to mental and cognitive disabilities. The fact that this language has remained in our constitution for so long is a disgrace. I’m confident that the people of New Jersey will agree with me when we get this measure placed on the ballot.”

TRENTON – The Senate State Government Committee today approved a measure sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that would erase more than 150 years of discrimination in New Jersey’s constitution by removing insensitive and discriminatory language that currently bars certain groups from voting rights. SCR-134 proposes a constitutional amendment that would replace the language that currently reads: “No idiot or insane person should enjoy the right of suffrage.”

“This is yet another big step towards removing the stigma of mental illness,” said Sen. Codey. “We must bring mental health into the new century. The fact that this language has remained in our constitution for so long is a disgrace. Not only is it insensitive, but it does not take into account the individual circumstances of people with varying degrees of disabilities.”

TRENTON – Senate PCresident Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today introduced a measure that would erase more than 150 years of discrimination in New Jersey’s constitution by removing insensitive and discriminatory language that currently bars certain groups from voting rights. The Senate President is proposing a constitutional amendment that would replace the language that currently reads: “No idiot or insane person should enjoy the right of suffrage.”

“This is yet another big step towards removing the stigma of mental illness,” said Sen. Codey. “We must bring mental health into the new century. The fact that this language has remained in our constitution for so long is a disgrace. Not only is it insensitive, but it does not take into account the individual circumstances of people with varying degrees of disabilities.”