Bill > LD492

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Maine that would explicitly protect parental rights by establishing that parents or guardians hold the "natural, inherent and unalienable rights" of their minor children until the child reaches the age of majority or becomes emancipated. The amendment would prevent state, local, and governmental entities from interfering with parents' authority to direct their children's upbringing, education, and overall physical, mental, and spiritual health, with the key exception being cases of parental abuse, neglect, or criminal acts by the minor. If passed, the amendment would be placed on the ballot during a statewide election in November, where voters will be asked to ratify the change by voting on the specific question: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to describe parental rights that are reserved to the parent of a minor child and limit the infringement of these rights by the State or a political subdivision of the State?" If a majority of legal voters support the amendment, it will become part of the Maine State Constitution upon the Governor's proclamation.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=492&snum=132