Central Florida leaders react to ruling on abortion, marijuana ballot measures

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s Supreme Court ruled Monday that ballot measures aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana and protecting access to abortion can go to the voters in November.

The abortion amendment says “no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” It provides for one exception that is already in the state constitution: Parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion.

The marijuana measure would allow companies that grow and sell marijuana for medical use to sell their product to any adult over the age of 21. The ballot measure also would make possession of marijuana for personal use legal.

The court’s review of the ballot language was limited to whether voters could understand it and that it contained a single issue, not on the merits of the proposal itself. The measures need 60% approval from voters to pass.

Since the opinion was released shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday, elected leaders have been offering up their reactions.

You can see their reactions below:

State Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, released a statement shortly after the the ruling came down.

“Yes on 4 Florida has worked hard to get this amendment on the ballot, and they fought harder against those who would like to see women’s freedom and autonomy taken away from them. I am glad the Supreme Court of Florida ruled in favor of taking the initiative to the people, and I hope to see further protections for women’s rights. There is nothing unclear about the choice being given to Floridians this upcoming November. Now is the time to register to vote and ensure our rights in the state’s constitution,” Stewart said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.