State Senate approves presidential ‘birther’ bill
PHOENIX—The Arizona Senate has approved a bill requiring presidential candidates to prove they are U.S. citizens before they can be included on the state’s ballot.
The bill approved Wednesday would make Arizona the first state to pass such legislation. Democrats say it exceeds the state’s authority.
Under the bill, candidates who don’t have a birth certificate could show two alternative documents, including a baptismal or circumcision certificate, a hospital birth record or a postpartum medical record.
The proposal was prompted by the claim that there is no proof President Barack Obama was born in the United States, making him ineligible to be president. Hawaii officials have certified Obama’s birth in the state.
The bill goes to the House for a final vote.
