Robert Foster in MS legislative records

On Abortion: No abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, with no exceptions

[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-abortion legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals. In March, Foster was one of the co-authors who introduced House Bill 1510, the Gestational Age Act, which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks even in the cases of rape and incest. Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law in March, but a federal court struck it down on Nov. 20. Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1510 Dec 10, 2018

On Abortion: Voted for "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

In March, Gov. Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Attorney General Jim Hood recently filed papers on behalf of the state, appealing the ruling. So, now, both the 15-week ban and the heartbeat bill are in court.

Of the legislation, Gov. Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732 May 20, 2019

On Abortion: Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest

Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation.

Analysis by Y'all Politics blog: The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health. Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; State Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18

Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB1510 Mar 18, 2018

On Civil Rights: Let businesses refuse to serve LGBT people

Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-LGBT legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals. In 2016, Foster wrote in support of House Bill 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," which guarantees businesses the right to discriminate against and refuse to serve LGBT people on the basis of personal religious beliefs about same-sex marriage and gender identity.

Foster defended his support for the bill at the time, writing in April 2016 that "dealing with discrimination is part of the price you pay to live in a free society." Later that month, Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law.

Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1523 Dec 10, 2018

On Civil Rights: Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people

Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction." The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; State Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting record HB 1523 Apr 1, 2017

The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Mississippi House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts from Legislative voting records for Mississippi House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts by Robert Foster. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Sep 16, 2024