New Jersey voters reject stem-cell bonds; Utah vouchers plan fails

Published: 2007-11-08

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Voters in New Jersey defeated a proposal that would have authorized $450 million in bonds for stem-cell research projects, but an effort in Utah to repeal a schools voucher program was successful. The ballot questions were among 34 initiatives or referendums held in six states Nov. 6 during off-year elections. Another nine questions had been decided in elections earlier in the year. The Catholic bishops in five New Jersey dioceses had urged rejection of Public Question 2 and launched an educational campaign to help Catholic voters distinguish between adult stem-cell research, which the church supports, and stem-cell research involving the destruction of human embryos, which the church strongly opposes. After voters rejected the bond question, 53 percent to 47 percent, Patrick Brannigan, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, told Catholic News Service, "The people have spoken and we are pleased that our message was understood."

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