Supporters for California’s Stem Cell Research Program won a victory this week when a state appeals court upheld a lower court’s decision that the program does not violate laws concerning state spending, the structure of ballot initiatives, or rules regarding conflicts of interest.

The New York Times reported that Robert N. Klein, chairman of the board overseeing the stem cell program, hailed the court’s decision as “one huge step for California,” and also stated that:

Mr. Klein said the decision was so strong that he thought the California Supreme Court would decline to hear the case if the ruling were to be appealed. If the Supreme Court turned away the case, he said, the state could begin issuing bonds as soon as 120 days from now.

According to The New York Times, a lawyer representing opponents of the program indicated that they would likely appeal, but that no definitive decision had been made on the issue.

Related posts:

1. California Governor Views California’s Experience with Stem Cell Research as Providing a Strong Example for Other States to Follow
2. New Victory for Stem Cell Research
3. Stem Cell Research: Are California’s Priorities in the Right Place?
4. Stem Cell Research in California: Providing a Lesson for other States?
5. Stem Cell Suits Dismissed By California Supreme Court