Resolution Filed to Rescind Article V Convention Calls

Sen. Cynthia Creem and Rep. Alice Peisch have filed a joint resolution for the legislature to rescind all previous resolutions calling for a U.S. Constitutional convention, some dating back almost a hundred years. Such an action would mean Massachusetts could no longer be counted as a state calling for a Constitutional convention. Groups seeking such a convention have argued that, because Article V of the Constitution allows for a convention once two-thirds (34) of the states have passed measures calling for one, such a convention to amend the Constitution could be convened, regardless of the subject matter of a call for convention. 

LWVMA and Common Cause of Massachusetts have been advocating for such a joint resolution for over four years. The resolution, HD.5295/SD.3332, will be reviewed by the Rules Committees of the two chambers and then have a hearing.

In a press release announcing the joint resolution filing, the two legislative leaders expressed their concern over a possible Constitutional convention.

“Rescinding these outdated resolutions is an important step towards securing our rights under the Constitution. Calls for an Article V constitutional convention open the door to rewriting the very principles that have guided our democracy since its inception,” said Senate Majority Leader Creem.

”Given the uncertainty surrounding an Article V convention, such a process could present a serious threat to the U.S. Constitution, our democracy, and the civil rights and liberties that are the foundation of our nation,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Peisch. “Rescinding these outdated resolutions gives the people of the Commonwealth a meaningful voice to safeguard the values we all hold and closes a door that never should have been opened.”

The Massachusetts resolutions to be rescinded include a 1977 call for a Constitutional amendment to ban all abortion.

Here is the press release from the two leaders, and here is an explanation of the need for recission and the resolutions to be rescinded.