Legislature Considers Bill to Challenge War

The Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill which challenges the constitutionality of the Vietnam War. A petition at Harvard supporting the bill has already collected more than 300 signatures.

The bill would make it illegal to require any Massachusetts citizen to serve in the armed forces in a combat zone outside the United States without a Declaration of War by Congress. The state judiciary committee will vote today on whether to report the measure favorably to the legislature.

If the bill becomes state law. Massachusetts will be in a position to challengethe Federal Government. If a Massachusetts citizen is ordered to Vietnam or any other combat zone, the state would be able to appeal to the Supreme Court and force a decision on the constitutionality of the war.

The bill's sponsor. Rep. James Shea of Newton, feels "confident" that the bill will be reported favorably. Shea said he has received 1000 letters favoring the measure.