Kentucky Dueling Language Amendment (2010)

Not on Ballot
This measure did not or will not appear on a ballot

The Kentucky Dueling Language Amendment was not on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the state of Kentucky. The measure would have removed language from swearing-in ceremonies that requires state elected officials to swear that they have not been involved in a duel with a deadly weapon. The measure stemmed from the state's history when Kentucky was known as a host of many duels. According to Carl Chelf, a retired political science professor, "The framers of the constitution wanted to clean up Kentucky's reputation as a haven where people came to fight duels." The sponsor of the amendment is State Representative Darryl Owens. The measure was to be placed before the Senate and the House of Representatives for a vote, and if passed, would have been placed before voters in the general election. Legislative session concluded without the measure being sent to the ballot.

Constitutional changes

If enacted by Kentucky voters, Section 228 in the General Provisions section of the Kentucky Constitution would have been amended.

Path to the ballot

If 60% of the membership of each chamber of the Kentucky General Assembly approves, a proposed amendment goes on the ballot at the next general election during which members of the state legislature are up for election. Kentucky is one of nine states that implement this process. Legislative session concluded without the measure being sent to the ballot.

See also

• Kentucky 2010 ballot measures
• List of Kentucky ballot measures
• 2010 ballot measures

External links

• Kentucky secretary of state elections page

Additional reading

• Dueling frowned upon in Kentucky