Friday, April 8, 2005
Page 3
Suit to Block Implementation of Stem Cell Initiative Filed
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Two conservative groups filed suit in Alameda Superior Court yesterday in a bid to halt implementation of the state’s controversial stem-cell research initiative.
The National Tax Limitation Foundation and People’s Advocate had sought direct relief from the California Supreme Court, but their petitions were down by the high court on March 23 “without prejudice to seeking other relief,” as the justices put it.
The two groups, represented by the Life Legal Defense Foundation, claim that the initiative violates the state Constitution because it gives public funds to an entity, the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which the petitioners claim is illegally constituted because it is not under the exclusive control of the state.
The ICOC is headquartered in Alameda County.
It was unclear what effect the prospect of litigation in the lower courts would have on the institute. Agency officials and California Attorney General Bill Lockyer have said the agency couldn’t sell bonds to finance research grants as long as litigation was pending in the Supreme Court.
Copyright 2005, Metropolitan News Company