When They Outlaw Clones…

…will only outlaws have clones? The House of Representatives has re-passed its comprehensive ban on human cloning. Violators will be prosecuted: The law stipulates fines of up to $1 million and 10 years in the clink. Next up: Banning identical twins?

For those of us who favor scientific progress and innovation that promises to extend and improve human life, the good news is that backers of the Senate version of the bill, Sens. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), acknowledge they don't have the votes to end debate and force a vote. (Memo to enteprising reporters: Grill Landrieu about her support for abortion and her stance on cloning; her few attempts to explain them haven't added up to much coherent).

Reason's voluminous coverage on the cloning, stem cell research, and related issues is collected here.