NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Voters have approved changing Tennessee's Constitution to give the Legislature more power to regulate abortion.
The change opens the way for the state Legislature to enact many new restrictions on abortion in Tennessee.
The referendum was originally conceived in response to a 2000 Tennessee Supreme Court decision that held abortion was protected by the state constitution as part of a woman's fundamental right to privacy.
The amendment passed with 53 percent of voters in favor and a six percent lead over opponents.
Voters also passed three other Constitutional Amendments yesterday. Amendment Two gives state legislators power over judicial appointments. Amendment Three prohibits the imposition of a state income tax and Amendement Four allows veterans groups to hold charitable games of chance.