Planned Parenthood Honor Features Abortion Debate In NJ State Senate
by KYW's David Madden
TRENTON, NJ (CBS) -- Legislatures from coast to coast pass thousands of resolutions honoring people and organizations for just about everything imaginable. And they're approved with virtually no debate.
That was not the case yesterday in the New Jersey State Senate, where a ceremony to honor Planned Parenthood on its 100th anniversary was anything but traditional.
Senate President Steve Sweeney wanted the usual, quick voice vote, but a handful of Republicans wouldn't let that happen. And abortion was front and center In the discussion, led by Bergen County Senator Gerald Cardinale.
"This vote is couched as whether one is in favor or not in favor of women's health care," Cardinale said. "I am in favor of women's health care. I am not in favor of what is done by Planned Parenthood or its historical mission."
Supporters pointed to the group's efforts to provide women with viable health options. Among them, Mercer County Democrat Linda Greenstein, who addressed the group's New Jersey leadership.
"I'm very sorry that you've become a political magnet," Greenstein said. " I've seen it in my own campaigns, believe it or not. But I want to thank you for everything that you've done and I am very sorry about the political side of this."
After conferring with aides, Sweeney reversed himself and allowed for a vote to be tallied. The resolution passed 27 to 6.
