No sooner does President Barack Obama lift certain restrictions on stem cell research funding, than Georgia Republicans introduce a bill that will restrict such research in my adopted home state. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
A [Georgia State] Senate committee narrowly approved a bill Monday morning that would restrict stem cell research in Georgia, just as President Barack Obama has announced a lifting of restrictions on federal dollars for such research.
By a vote of 7 to 6 the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a revised version of Senate Bill 169 Monday morning.
The bill will go to the Rules Committee Tuesday and if approved, could make it to the Senate floor for a vote Thursday, which is the last day a bill can be considered by either chamber and still remain alive during this legislative session.
Opponents say the new version of the bill would criminalize stem cell research in Georgia and place a chilling effect on the practice of in-vitro fertilization.
Supporters say it’s an attempt to respect the right of life, even an embryonic potential life.
To be sure, stem cell research is an area that has potential ethical pitfalls, but this reeks of political posturing (and not a little spoiled-brat-ism on the part of Georgia conservatives, who rule one of the very few states in last year’s elections to retain significant Republican control).
Yep. The Republican Party has become the anti-science party.