A House committee approved a bill Tuesday that would add South Carolina to a list of states calling for a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The 14-8 vote in the House Judiciary Committee came after arguments from Black lawmakers who fear the open-ended process never used since the Constitution's ratification in 1788 could remove amendments that ended slavery and secured African American voting rights and citizenship.
A conservative lawmaker suggested religious protections and gun rights could be at stake.
The bill would allow South Carolina to join calls for a constitutional convention, limiting the items that could be taken up to spending checks on the federal government, limiting the federal government's jurisdiction and power, and setting term limits for Congress.
About 15 states have passed similar resolutions, and the Constitution requires two-thirds of states, or 34, to call for the convention.
Supporters point out whatever amendments are suggested by the convention would have to be passed by three-fourths of the states — 38 legislatures or special conventions.
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Something must be done. Sounds like a good place to start. Our very way of life is in danger of being swept away by communist insurgents. Fight now or be forced into slavery.