The backlash to the passage of Georgia’s heartbeat bill by democrats continues this week with yet another bill aimed at male reproductive health.
The Bill: The new bill, House Bill 604 reads simply: “Any male 55 years of age or older shall immediately report to the county sheriff or local law enforcement agency when such male releases sperm from his testicles.”
Who Supports It?: The bill was filed yesterday by Park Cannon, a democrat from Atlanta. It is co-sponsored by Dar’shun Kendrick, a democrat from Lithonia; Sandra Scott, a democrat from Rex; Renitta Shannon, a democrat from Decatur; and Donna McLeod, a democrat from Lawrenceville.
The Background: Last week, the Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 481, which would make abortion illegal once a doctor is able to detect a heartbeat in the womb. The bill considers the moment of fetal heartbeat detection to be the indicator of viable life and sets out that the unborn would be counted as a Georgia citizen and would be eligible for a state income tax deduction.
Since the bill’s passage, female democratic lawmakers have been seeking legislation they say would regulate men’s bodies in a similar fashion. On Monday, Kendrick, proposed a “Testicular Bill of Rights” that would criminalize some vasectomies, having sex without a condom, and instate a mandatory waiting period before men can make purchases at sex shops.
Status of the Bill: House Bill 604 was filed March 11. It has not been assigned to a committee.
