Voters in 2 states reject abortion curbs

By David Crary - Associated Press

Voters in Colorado and South Dakota rejected ballot measures Tuesday that could have led to sweeping bans on abortion, and Washington became the second state — after Oregon — to offer terminally ill people the option of physician-assisted suicide.

In California, exit polls suggested a close race on a high-profile measure that would ban gay marriage — the first time such a vote has taken place in state where such unions are legal.

A gay-marriage ban was approved in Arizona; a similar measure appeared headed for passage in Florida.

Gay rights forces also suffered a loss in Arkansas, where voters approved a measure banning unmarried couples from serving as adoptive or foster parents. Supporters made clear that gays and lesbians were their main target.

For the abortion rights movement, it was a day of relief and celebration.

The Colorado measure, which was defeated soundly, would have defined life as beginning at conception. Its opponents said it could lead to the outlawing of some types of birth control as well as abortion.

The South Dakota measure would have banned abortions except in cases of rape, incest and serious health threat to the mother.

Elsewhere, the marijuana reform movement won two prized victories, with Massachusetts voters decriminalizing possession of small amounts of the drug and Michigan joining 12 other states in allowing use of pot for medical purposes.

Henceforth, people caught in Massachusetts with an ounce or less of pot will no longer face criminal penalties. Instead, they'll forfeit the marijuana and pay a $100 civil fine.

The Michigan measure will allow severely ill patients to register with the state and legally buy, grow and use small amounts of marijuana to relieve pain, nausea, appetite loss and other symptoms.