Minnesota city drops ordinance allowing residents to sue abortionists

A Minnesota city has decided to drop a proposal that would allow residents to sue abortionists after the state’s attorney general told city council members that the ordinance was unconstitutional. However, the state lawmaker behind the idea has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the resolution elsewhere.

As Live Action News previously reported, the city of Prinsburg was considering an ordinance that would allow people to sue abortionists, including those organizations offering the abortion pill by mail. Prinsburg has a population of just 500 people, and is not home to any abortion facilities. The ordinance, which in part read that “life begins at conception” and described abortion as “a murderous act of violence,” was introduced by Rep. Tim Miller, a Prinsburg resident.

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After learning of the proposal, pro-abortion Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warned the council last month, “Any municipal ordinance which limits the fundamental rights of pregnant Minnesotans to receive an abortion is unconstitutional. No city in Minnesota has the power to restrict the right to abortion or enact conflicting regulations on health care providers.”

Following Ellison’s warning, City Council members voted unanimously to drop any further discussion regarding the proposal. “In reaching its decision, the council took into account the position of the Minnesota Attorney General and its City Attorney stating that provisions described in the ordinance are unconstitutional and not within the legal authority of the city to enact,” officials said. “The council plans no further discussion or comment regarding the proposed ordinance.”

Despite the setback, Miller is not swayed and says he believes there is nothing in the Minnesota constitution that prevents the ordinance. He says he will continue to work to enact the resolution in other communities. “This is our way that we can fight back against the abortion industry in Minnesota,” Miller said.

According to the West Central Tribune, Miller announced earlier this year that he is stepping down from the legislature at the end of the term to pursue pro-life work with Pro-Life Ministries of St. Paul.