Issue Commentary

01/24/02 – Pork of a D⁠i⁠fferen⁠t⁠ Sor⁠t⁠

By: The James Madison Institute / 2002

As voters in Florida in the next general election, by action of the Florida Supreme Court on January 17, 2002, you may have the opportunity to make pregnant pigs a part of the state constitution, by amendment.

Yes, pregnant pigs. Blossoming sows are nowhere mentioned in our constitution as it currently reads. However, the responsibilities of the three branches of government are clearly spelled out. The Supreme Court conducted its business in fitting order in approving the wording of the item to be included in the ballot. It meets the tests applied as stated in the Constitution. However, three justices “…made it clear they don’t think the fate of pigs is the stuff the constitution should be made of.” And we agree.