A constitutional convention would open the doors to seriously erode Rhode Islanders' civil liberties — the same ones we fight to protect every single day. This is not speculation, since it happened in 1986 and there is simply no reason to expect a different result in these polarized times. Here are just a few reasons to reject Question 1:
- We must protect our civil rights!
If a convention were held today, there is little question that restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, the rights of immigrants, affirmative action and other current hot button issues would be considered at a convention and placed at risk. A process like a constitutional convention is controlled by the majority, and is almost guaranteed to not consider the rights of minorities.
- Our Constitution is not for sale!
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there can be no government limits on how much money corporations spend on referenda campaigns, including proposed constitutional amendments that come out of a convention. We now live in a world of unfettered special interest spending and out-of-state money that distorts campaigns.
- We already have an effective means of changing governance!
Rhode Island does not need a constitutional convention to change our governance. Constitutional changes on critical issues like separation of powers and voting rights may be done, and have been done in the past, by questions placed on the ballot by the General Assembly.
- Our money is better spent elsewhere!
Constitutional conventions are expensive. In past years, the bipartisan preparatory commission has estimated the cost to be more than $2 million. That estimate is sure to be significantly higher when the new estimates are prepared for a convention this year. There are much better uses and services where that money could be spent.