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Washington Rights of Minors Initiative (2008)
| Not on Ballot |
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| This measure was not put on an election ballot |
Washington Rights of Minors Initiative, or I-999 was intended by its sponsors to qualify for the November 4, 2008 ballot in Washington, but did not ultimately qualify.
I-999, according to its sponsors, would have provided minors with greater control over their lives. The measure would have required consent of minors (13-years or older)—in lieu of a court order—before they could be taken outside the state for "behavior modification." The measure would also have given minors (16-years or older) the right to 50% say in decisions concerning their bodies or their children.
Initiative 999 was a citizen-initiated state statute.
The official ballot measure summary read:
This measure would prohibit the transportation of minors age thirteen or older outside the state for behavior modification purposes without the consent of the minor or a court order. Minors age sixteen or older would be legally responsible for fifty percent of each decision with regard to their own bodies or their children. Domestic violence petitions could be filed based on physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse. Courts could expedite petitions for emancipation of minors.
Supporters
The measure was sponsored by Angela M. Smith of Seattle, Washington. Supporters said the initiative will help to "protect and empower today's youth." The Yes on I-999 website argued that the current teen "help" (their quotation marks) behavior modification industry is riddled with abuses that amount to gross violations of human rights and cruel and inhumane treatment of children. Supporters said that I-999 would put safeguards in place to protect children and families from fraud and abuse.[1]
See also
- Procedures for qualifying an initiative in Washington
- Laws governing the initiative process in Washington
- Campaign finance requirements for Washington ballot measures
- Washington 2008 ballot measures
- Petition drive deadlines in 2008
- Washington signature requirements
External links
Footnotes
