LOS ANGELES : Bernson Exit Blocks Abortion Issue Vote

Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson deliberately broke a quorum at Tuesday’s council meeting to prevent a vote on a motion by Councilman Joel Wachs to involve the city in the national abortion debate by declaring it a “pro-choice city.”

Bernson marched out of the meeting after telling his colleagues the council should not become entangled in matters outside its jurisdiction. Before leaving, Bernson also said abortion was a matter of personal conscience.

Bernson’s abrupt departure left the council without the 10 members needed to conduct business and forced it to adjourn. Wachs’ motion will be reconsidered today.

Wachs’ motion, seconded by Councilwomen Joy Picus and Rita Walters, would have declared Los Angeles a “pro-choice city,” urged the U.S. Congress to adopt a Freedom of Choice Act and asked President-elect Bill Clinton to lift the gag rule on abortion counseling at federally funded family planning clinics.

Before departing, Bernson made a motion that died for lack of a second to support Wachs’ proposal except for the pro-choice city declaration.

Earlier, several pro-life advocates, including Anne Kindt from the Right to Life League of Southern California, argued that Wachs’ motion was immoral and politically motivated. Wachs is an announced candidate for mayor.

Lisa Jackson, steering committee of California Rights Abortion League, supported the measure.

Twelve members of the public spoke on the issue--10 against the Wachs’ motion, and two for it.