COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first time since both statewide issues passed on marijuana and the abortion amendment, Governor Mike DeWine is breaking his silence.
ISSUE 1
Gov. DeWine said he accepts the results of Issue 1, the amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution, and Issue 2, the law to legalize and regulate recreational use of marijuana.
“We respect what the people have done,” said DeWine on Thursday while speaking with reporters after the induction ceremony for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
DeWine said for him, Issue 1 was never about politics, it was about what he thought was right.
"Legislation passed by the General Assembly, a constitutional amendment passed by the people. We always continue to evaluate how things are working,” he said.
DeWine said he believes a majority of Ohioans want to see exceptions for rape and incest in any law restricting abortion, which the heartbeat law did not have.
"What Ohioans will need to determine as they move forward, and watch how this constitutional amendment plays out is how they like it,” he said.
Meanwhile at the state house Thursday afternoon, State Representatives Anita Somani and Beth Liston, both Democrats from Dublin, introduced the Reproductive Care Act.
"There are laws called trap laws, which are targeted restrictions on abortion providers, that are just designed for administrative hoops that people that do abortion care must jump through in order to provide the necessary care for women,” said Liston.
The proposed legislation would repeal existing statutes related to abortion care and it would add protections related to patients and providers.
"It's all about making sure people have access to health care. And I think there are so many issues in our state related to health outcomes. This is an important first step,” Liston said.
DeWine was not clear on Thursday if he will advocate to proceed with passing or repealing any abortion-related policies.
"I think it would be a mistake for me to put a timetable on anything,” he said. “I just think that this will play out like every issue plays. And, you know, people will decide if they're comfortable with what we voted on. Or they'll decide that maybe needs to be changed or tweaked. I think that debate will bubble up."
ISSUE 2
Implement it in a responsible way. That was the message from the governor on Thursday regarding Issue 2.
He said he has asked the legislature within the next 30 days to take appropriate action to protect the people of Ohio while implementing this new law.
He detailed three goals:
1. Make sure children are protected from the advertising of recreational marijuana.
2. Limit the number of accidental exposures to marijuana through edibles.
3. Protect Ohio drivers from those who are driving under the influence.