Judge dismisses second abortion referendum lawsuit

In this Sept. 22, 2015 file photo, Judge Dan Green is seen presiding in Cole County court.
In this Sept. 22, 2015 file photo, Judge Dan Green is seen presiding in Cole County court.

Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green on Friday dismissed the second lawsuit challenging Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's decision to reject three petitions seeking a statewide referendum on the state's new abortion restrictions law.

"This court is not of the opinion that the preliminary order of mandamus should be granted and, therefore, no such order shall issue," his order states.

In dismissing the case, the judge also canceled a hearing that had been scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Upcoming Events