.
Calling All Catholics
LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEMS
Virginia Action Alert
The Virginia House of Delegates passed two abortion bills on Friday by wide margins, including a measure requiring abortion practitioners to allow women to seen an ultrasound of their unborn child and another about a baby's abortion pain. The bills now head to the Senate where they will have a tougher time getting approval.
The House backed HB 1315, a measure by Delegate Kathy Byron, that requires allowing women a chance to see an ultrasound of their baby before an abortion.
Pro-life groups hope it will give women more information about the development of their baby and encourage them against an abortion. The House approved the bill on a 62-37 margin.
The second measure, HB 1556, requires abortion facilities to give women information about the pain a baby feels during the abortion procedure. Delegate Ben Cline's bill would have the abortion centers tell women an unborn child may feel during an abortion done when the unborn child is more than 20 weeks gestation and the House passed it 68-31. LifeNews
Virginia Catholic Conference supports these bill
Contact your state senator and ask them to support these bills
__________________________________________________________________
Michigan Action Alert
From the Michigan Catholic Conference: Oppose HB 4616 Embryonic stem cell research
Legislation that seeks to amend a state law that protects human embryos from being destroyed may soon be voted on in the House Judiciary Committee. Rather than pursuing ethical and proven adult stem cell research, some in the House are seeking to allow for destructive embryo research in this state.
Michigan Catholic Conference is urging citizens to contact their state representative and urge him or her to vote NO on House Bill 4616. This legislation would not only permit the destruction of human embryos in Michigan for research purposes, but would also allow for embryos that were cloned in other states to be trafficked into Michigan to be destroyed.
Help Protect Human Embryos from Destruction
Urge Your Legislator to Support Ethical Stem Cell Research
To Contact your representative
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
California Action Alert
Sarah's Law - "Family Notification" Ballot Initiative
Currently in California a minor may obtain an abortion without her parents knowledge or consent. Sarah's law would require a doctor to notify a parent or adult family member over 21 before she may obtain an abortion.
Signatures are being collected throughout the state to put this initiative on the November ballot.
We need your help.
Go to the FriendsofSarah.com website and request a petition. Collect signatures from your friends and family and from parents at your childrens school.
Background: Who is Sarah? *
“Sarah” was a 15 year old girl who became pregnant. Without her parent’s consent or notice, Sarah visited a clinic and the abortionist performed an abortion on Sarah, unknowingly tearing the right side of her cervix. Unaware of this complication, Sarah suffered blood poisoning, fever, chills, abdominal pain and nausea for four days before finally being admitted to the hospital. When hospital personnel discovered the tear and post-abortion infection, they placed Sarah in the Intensive Care Unit, but the infection was too far advanced and Sarah died. Hospital physicians reported that had Sarah received prompt medical care, she would still be alive today.
Sarah’s parents did not know that she was pregnant. Sarah’s parents didn’t know that Sarah had an abortion. Her parents could have saved her….if they had known.
Help us protect our daughters.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Colorado Action Alert
Denver archbishop warns legislation endangers Catholic Charities
A proposed Colorado law restricting religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws could threaten the Catholic character of charitable organizations that receive government funds.The bill is so restrictive that it would forbid preferring Catholics for appointment to key leadership positions in Catholic non-profit organizations. The local archbishop has even advised the public that he will have to end Catholic Charities' involvement with government programs if the bill passes.
The summary of Colorado legislature's House Bill 1080(HB 1080) says that the bill "limits the applicability of the exception from compliance with employment nondiscrimination laws for religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, or societies when employing persons to provide services that are funded with government funds."
The bill itself is short, taking up only twenty three lines. It amends the present blanket religious exemption by requiring every religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society that "accepts government funds to provide services" to comply with anti-discrimination laws. As listed in the Colorado Revised Statutes, characteristics protected by the anti-discrimination regulations include "disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, or ancestry."
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver, criticized HB 1080 in a January 23rd column titled "How to write a really bad bill." He said the proposed law would attack the religious identity of non-profits and compromise Catholic organizations that co-operate with government agencies in providing necessary social services.
HB 1080, the archbishop believes, would hinder Catholic non-profits from hiring or firing employees based on the religious beliefs of the Catholic Church. Though recognizing that many non-Catholics work at Catholic Charities, Archbishop Chaput said the bill would remove the ability of the non-profit to maintain a Catholic leadership.
"...the key leadership positions in Catholic Charities obviously do require a practicing and faithful Catholic, and for very good reasons. Catholic Charities is exactly what the name implies: a service to the public offered by the Catholic community as part of the religious mission of the Catholic Church," the archbishop wrote.
It is believed that the Anit-Defamation League (ADL) is behind this bill. CNA
Archbishop Chaput's column: HB 1080, how to write a really bad bill
Contact your Colorado Legislators:
Find your Legislator Ask them to reinstate the religious exemption
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Florida Action ALert
Florida Marriage Amendment in Danger of Not Making 2008 Ballot
Officials Report 30,000 Petitions Short in Unprecedented Recount: Immediate Action Needed to Collect More Petitions
Tallahassee, FL) Monday January, 14, 2008. Leaders of Florida4Marriage.org declared a state of "constitutional emergency" today when they learned from Division of Elections officials that due to an "audit" ordered by the Division, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment fell short by some 30,000 petitions. The state constitutional amendment seeks to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman and would prohibit polygamy, group marriage, and same sex marriages in Florida.
According to state officials, only 589,020 petitions were officially certified after the unprecedented audit, leaving the petition effort just under 22,000 short of the needed 611,009 needed to be certified for the ballot in 2008. Florida4Marriage.org State Chairman John Stemberger said, "Right now, we are not interested in whose fault this is. We just want to finish the job -- and finish it immediately."
Amendment leaders are calling upon national, state and local pro-family leaders to alert Floridians to the crisis and to immediately pull out all stops to collect new petitions over the next two weeks. Stemberger said all petitions must be physically mailed or hand delivered into the state headquarters located at 4853 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando FL 32806, before close of business on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 (Presidential Primary Election Day). Under a new law, petitions can no longer be delivered to local county supervisors of elections by individual citizens. Petitions can only be received from the official sponsoring committee of the amendment.Learn more: Go to Florida4Marriage
Florida Bishops Urge Voters to Participate in the Florida Marriage Amendment Petition Process
In their April 14, 2005 statement, Marriage is Between One Man and One Woman, the Bishops have encouraged support of a proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife. In order to help ensure the proposed amendment is placed on the 2008 general election ballot, the Florida Catholic Conference is participating in a petition collection effort sponsored by Florida4Marriage.org, urging all registered voters to complete a petition.
Only registered voters are eligible to complete a petition. Petitions may be printed and duplicated, however no changes may be made to the petition, as it will jeopardize its approved status.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Wisconsin Action Alert
State Assembly to Vote on “Chemical Abortion Hospital Mandate”
On Tuesday, December 11, the Wisconsin State Assembly is expected to vote on Senate Bill (SB) 129/Assembly Bill (AB) 377, companion legislation that wouldforce all Wisconsin hospitals – regardless of their religious affiliation – to provide “emergency contraception (EC),” also known as the morning-after pill, to alleged victims of sexual assault upon their request.
Planned Parenthood of WI, NARAL Pro-Choice WI, and their pro-abortion allies are pressuring members of the State Assembly to vote for this anti-life, unconstitutional bill.
ProLife Wisconsin asks you help.
Please call or email your state representative and urge him or her to:
“Please vote NO on SB 129/AB 377, the “Chemical Abortion Hospital Mandate.” SB 129/AB 377 threatens unborn children and violates freedom of conscience. It is impossible to determine whether or not fertilization has occurred at the time “emergency contraception” is directed to be taken. We must act with restraint in protecting newly conceived human life. Thank you.” (See talking points below for your use)*
Contacting Your State Representative
Please click on the following web link for contact information (phone & email) for your state representative:
http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/
*Talking Points
(Feel free to use one or more of the following talking points in your communication)
· SB 129/AB 377 threatens unborn children – “Emergency contraception” is basically a very high dosage of the birth control pill to be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. It can work in three ways: to suppress ovulation; to inhibit the mobility of sperm; and to alter the lining of the uterus so that a newly conceived child is unable to implant in the womb, thus starving and dying. This last action is pre-implantation chemical abortion.
· SB 129/AB 377 violates freedom of conscience – Wisconsin law protects the right of hospitals to refuse to participate in morally objectionable practices such as abortion and sterilization. SB 129 appears to be in conflict with Wisconsin Statutes 253.09(1) because of the abortion causing effect of so-called emergency contraceptive drugs, as well as with the Wisconsin Constitution which expressly protects the rights of conscience. The bill also violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution which guarantees the right to freely exercise one’s religion convictions.
· SB 129/AB 377 endangers women’s health – Not only can the morning-after pill kill a tiny preborn person, it can also harm women. Immediate health side-effects include such life-threatening conditions as ectopic pregnancy and blood clot formation. Importantly, there are no long-term studies to show whether women will be permanently damaged, or risk such diseases as cancer, from these chemicals being given in such high doses.
· SB 129/AB 377 is bad medicine – Forcing physicians to immediately provide medication to patients based solely upon their request is simply bad medicine. In the case of emergency contraception, such a policy may contradict a physician’s medical judgment as EC could be medically contraindicated for the patient.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Senators Call for Suspension of Federal Funding for Abortions
Following the lead of 60 pro-life/pro-family groups who on October 24 sent a letter to every US senator and congressman asking them to suspend federal funding of Planned Parenthood, US Sen. Sam Brownback and Sen David Vitter with 11 other senators sent a letter Tuesday to chairmen of both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. asking the same:
We write to urge you to suspend funding... for organizations that promote abortion. While an amendment to this effect was not adopted in the U.S. Senate last month, we believe recent findings warrant such a suspension pending further investigation. read entire statement
In addition to Brownback and Vitter, the following senators signed the letter: Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY), John Barrasso (R-WY), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), James Inhofe (R-OK), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Trent Lott (R-MS), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and John Thune (R-SD).
Please thank them.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|||
___________________________________________________________________________________
Senate May Vote on Federal Abortion Funding as Early as Next Week
SB 1200 Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007
The U.S. Senate could vote on an amendment to make sure that federal funds are not used directly to pay for abortions as early as next week. Though the Senate has frequently voted on funding groups that could use tax dollars to pay for abortions, but it hasn't voted on direct abortion funding since 1999.
Next week, at the earliest, the Senate is expected to take up S. 1200, a bill to make extensive changes to the laws governing federal health programs for American Indians, which are administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS). (LifeNews)
The National Right to Life issued the following alert:
The U.S. Senate may soon take up S. 1200, a bill that would make certain changes to American Indian health programs. Some years ago, the federal Indian Health Service (IHS) was paying for abortion on demand. This practice was curbed, but it might resume again under some future President, unless Congress adds suitable language to S. 1200.
Therefore, NRLC supports an amendment that will be offered by pro-life Senator David Vitter (R-La.) that would permanently prohibit the IHS from providing abortions (except to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape, or incest of a minor).
text of SB 1200Action: Please call your seantors and ask them to support Senator Vitter's amendment
____________________________________________________________________________________
Senator Harkin adds funding for embryonic stem cell research to Goverment Spending Bill
Sena
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) inserted a provision into the government spending bill (SB1710) that would overturn the President's policy on funding stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos.
Specifically, Section 520 of the bill allows the National Institutes of Health to fund research on embryonic stem cell lines created prior to June 15, 2007. President Bush's policy allows federal funding of embryonic stem cells lines that were obtained prior to August 9, 2001.
Call Senator Harkin and express your displeasure.
WASHINGTON OFFICE
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3254 Phone
(202) 224-9369 Fax
(202) 224-4633 TDD
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Hate Crimes and The Defense Bill
Last week Senator Kennedy added a Hate Crimes Amendment to H.R.1585 the Department of Defense Authorization Bill. Senator Reid has filed cloture so an imminent vote is pending. Because President Bush has pledged to veto the Hate Crimes Bill attempts are being made to attach it to as an amendment to the DOD bill.The amendment would make Hate Crimes (a crime in which the victim is intentionally selected based on his or her race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.) a federal offense and it would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the U.S. criminal code (Title 18).
Hate Crimes are adequately addressed at the state level. This is a response to gay/lesbian advocacy groups who have been lobbying for this bill.
Senator Kennedy has been relentless in his attempts to pass this bill. He first introduced it in 1997. Senator Kennedy has received over $80,000 from gay/lesbian rights groups since 1990.
The Senate has passed similiar bills three times. On previous occasions, the House either defeated a similar measure or stripped the amendment during the conference committee. However in 2005, an amendment to add a hate-crime provision to HR-3132, "The Children's Safety Act" passed the House. It never became law. H.R. 1592 – the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed along party lines in May.
This amendment violates both the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution by attempting to regulate speech, religious expression, and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Contact your Senators. Ask The to Vote "No" on the Hate Crimes Amendment.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Gay Marriage in California
AB: 34 Gender Neutral Marriage Passes In California
AB 43 authored by homosexual Assemblyman Mark Leno of San Francisco replaces "a man and a woman" with any "two persons" in California's marriage laws.
The bill was approved 22 to 15 today (Friday, Sept. 7) by the California State Senate. All Republican senators opposed AB 43, while all but three Democrat senators supported it.
The bill now goes to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature or veto.
Voting Results:
AYES
Alquist Calderon Cedillo Corbett Ducheny Kehoe Kuehl Lowenthal Migden Negrete McLeod Oropeza Padilla Perata Ridley-Thomas Romero Scott Simitian Steinberg Torlakson Vincent Wiggins Yee
NOES
Aanestad Ackerman Ashburn Cogdill Cox Denham Dutton Florez Harman Hollingsworth Maldonado Margett McClintock Runner Wyland
ABSENT,NO VOTE, ABSTATINING
Battin Correa Machado
The Governor's intent is unknown in view of his recent remarks about marriage.
Contact Governor Schwarznegger and ask him to veto this bill.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abstinence Funding and Funding Overseas Abortions
PRESERVE ABSTINENCE FUNDING FOR GLOBAL HIV/AIDS PROGRAM
REINSTATE EXISTING AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY TO PROHIBIT U.S. AID TO INTERNATIONAL ABORTION ORGANIZATIONS
Ask your Senators to:
Restore the existing 7 percent allocation (one third of HIV and AIDS prevention funds) for abstinence-until-marriage programs in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); and
Reinstate the Mexico City Protocol so that U.S. assistance will not be channeled through organizations performing and promoting abortion as family planning.
WHY THIS ISSUE IS IMPORTANT: Today and tomorrow the Senate is scheduled to consider the fiscal year 2008 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The bill includes critical funding for international assistance programs that provide lifesaving and life-changing services to the poorest people in our world such as emergency assistance, health, education, agriculture and small loan programs as well as treatment to people infected by HIV. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcome some new policy directions included in the bill, including increased funding for programs that address chronic poverty through long-term development and a shift towards greater humanitarian and social assistance for Colombia, a country wracked by war for more than forty years. However, CRS and the USCCB have serious concerns about some changes made to current foreign aid policy.
1. The Senate Appropriations Committee removed an important provision regarding abstinence-until-marriage programs in PEPFAR, the U.S. government initiative that provides anti-retroviral therapy to people affected by HIV in poor countries. Currently, 7 percent of PEPFAR funding, or one third of all prevention funding available within PEPFAR, is allocated for abstinence-until-marriage programs. These programs have proven to be very effective in Africa to change behavior and ultimately save lives. The Senate Appropriations committee stripped the specific allocation for these abstinence programs. Without the specific allocation for abstinence programs, these critical education and behavior change programs will likely go unfunded.
2. The Senate Appropriations Committee also rescinded an important provision known as the “Mexico City Protocol” that prevents U.S. family planning assistance to be channeled through groups that perform and promote abortions as family planning. CRS and the USCCB urge the Senate to reverse the changes made to the abstinence provisions within PEPFAR and the Mexico City Protocol. Click here to read the USCCB/CRS letter to the Senate.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Support Funding for Abstinence Education
Tell Congress to fully reauthorize and preserve Title V in its current form which will continue to provide $50 million in funding for abstinence education. The Senate voted on a similar bill that did not include abstinence funding. When Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, the House/Senate conference committee will need to agree on common language.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Help stop the "Freedom of Choice Act" -- or "Freedom for Partial-Birth Abortionists Act"!
In response to the April 18, 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Gonzales v. Carhart) upholding the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act,
prominent Democratic members of Congress the next day reintroduced the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA), a proposed federal
law to nullify virtually all federal and state limitations on abortion.
Contact your representative and ask them too oppose HR 1964 "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA) and S. 1173 "Freedom of Choice Act"
To Contact your Representative
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act
No F-Words in Front of Children on Broadcast TV
A bill authored by Democrat John Rockefeller of West Virginia aims to clean up network television.
Rockefeller’s proposal, introduced in the Commerce Committee, was fast-tracked by Chairman Daniel Inouye, also a Democrat.
Call on the U.S. Senate to send a clear message that the broadcast decency law should be reaffirmed and vigorously enforced despite efforts by the entertainment industry to undermine the law.
This week, the Senate Commerce Committee will review and vote on this a bill which will protect children from inappropriate content on broadcast television.
“The Senate cannot wait to uphold its responsibility to reflect the overwhelming will of the American people on the issue of broadcast decency. In a March Zogby poll, 79% of respondents agreed that there was too much sex, violence and profanity on television. The Senate must act now to protect children and stand up for the appropriate use of the public’s airwaves. PTC President Tim Winter
Contact a committee member
Democrats
Daniel K. Inouye
(Chairman)
John D. Rockefeller, IV
John F. Kerry
Byron L. Dorgan
Barbara Boxer
Bill Nelson
Maria Cantwell
Frank R. Lautenberg
Mark Pryor
Thomas Carper
Claire McCaskill
Amy Klobuchar
Republicans
Ted Stevens
(Vice Chairman)
John McCain
Trent Lott
Kay Bailey Hutchison
Olympia J. Snowe
Gordon H. Smith
John Ensign
John E. Sununu
Jim DeMint
David Vitter
John Thune
___________________________________________________________________________________
Senator Ted Kennedy tries to slip Hate Crimes past the public
Senator's Use of Defense Funding Bill to Pass 'Hate Crimes' Proposal Called 'Reckless'
Family Policy Network (FPN) President Joe Glover is accusing U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy of jeopardizing the welfare of American soldiers in an underhanded attempt to have "sexual orientation" added to the list of federally-protected hate crimes categories.
Senator Kennedy's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act is described by Glover as "a shockingly manipulative attempt to force the President to sign [hate crimes based on 'sexual orientation'] into federal law." He added, "It is a shameless attempt to push the homosexual agenda on the American people by exploiting American soldiers who are currently in harm's way around the world."read more
Ask your Senators to vote no on this amendment to H.R. 1585
The language of the Kennedy amendment is identical to the language of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which passed the House on May 3, 2007 by a vote of 237-180. If it passes, this amendment would make hate crimes (a crime in which the victim is intentionally selected based on his or her race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.) a federal offense and it would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the U.S. criminal code (Title 18). This amendment violates both the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution by attempting to regulate speech, religious expression, and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Target List of Senators: Alexander (TN), Bennett (UT), Coleman (MN), Ensign (NV), Lugar (IN), Murkowski (AK), Pryor (AR), Stevens (AK), Tester (MT), Voinovich (OH)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Should Talk Radio be regulated by the Fairness Doctrine?
Amidst complaints that conservative talk radio dominates the airwaves, Republican legislators introduced an amendment today to prevent liberal lawmakers from applying the Fairness Doctrine to limit conservative talk radio programs.
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., together with Reps. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, introduced an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations Bill, H.R. 2829 that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from using taxpayer dollars to impose the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters.
“Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves. It is a dangerous proposal to suggest the government should be in the business of rationing free speech." Representative Mike Pence
Pence Proposes ‘Broadcaster Freedom Act’ to Prohibit Return of ‘Fairness Doctrine’
Ask your legislators to support the Pence amendment.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Uphold Mexico City Policy -- No Tax Dollars for Groups Exporting Abortion Around the World
URGENT! Contact your U.S. Representative
Urge them to Support the Stupak/Smith Amendment
The U.S. House of Representatives could take up the Fiscal Year 2008 State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (number to be announced) on June 20, or perhaps the 21. As reported by committee, the bill negates the Mexico City Policy (MCP), an Administration policy that denies federal funding to overseas nongovernmental organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. The MCP prevents the use of U.S. tax dollars to support organizations that export abortion around the world, especially into vulnerable poorer countries.
First articulated by the Reagan Administration at a U.N. population conference in Mexico City in 1984, the policy was overturned by the Clinton Administration, then reinstated in 2001 by President Bush. Since 2001, abortion advocates have tried to reverse the MCP by legislation.
The Fiscal Year 2008 State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which designates $441 million for international family planning, stipulates that federal funding for contraceptives in foreign countries shall not be denied "to any nongovernmental organization solely on the basis of the policy contained in the President's March 28, 2001, Memorandum" to the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The President had restored the MCP on January 22, 2001, then implemented his policy decision through this March 28 memorandum.
During House floor debate, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) will offer an amendment to strike the language negating the MCP.
To Contact your Representative
_________________________________________________________________________________
House Committee OKs Bill That Would Fund Abortions Overseas
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee passed a bill Tuesday that includes language aimed at ending the president's prohibition on tax dollars going to groups that fund or promote abortion overseas.
The Mexico City policy, which bars U.S. funding from going to international groups that support abortion, was implemented by President Reagan, rescinded by President Clinton and reinstated by President Bush. The appropriations bill seeks to kill the policy.
The full House is expected to vote June 20.
Contact your representative and ask them to oppose the State/Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill because it includes language to kill the Mexico City policy.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Lobby Reform Bill in the House
Debate resumed today on the Lobby Reform Bill. Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) added a provision that expands the definition of "lobbying firm" to include "paid communication campaigns to influence the general public to lobby Congress."
A similiar provision had been added to the Senate bill but was removed after a grassroots outcry. This is neccessary once again. Do not let Congress limit our ability to communicate important information regarding pending legislation.
Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to oppose any legislation that subverts free speech and the right of all Americans to freely petition their government.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Faith Based Groups Need Amendment Added to Improving Head Start Act
HR 1429 Improving Head Start Act
To reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program quality, to expand access, and for other purposes. The act revises and reauthorizes the programs through 2012. Sponsor :Rep Kildee, Dale E.
A religious freedom amendment to this act is necessary to protect faith based groups in their hiring practices. Any Member wishing to offer an amendment to H.R. 1429 must do so by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2007 in order for the amendment to be considered by the Rules Committee.
Ask your representatives to include an amendment to this bill that was previously proposed by Rep. Luis Fortuño of Puerto Rico and dropped.
Contact your Representative: The House will vote on this next week
___________________________________________________________________________________
H.R 1592 - the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007
"The reality is that so-called ‘hate crime’ laws are designed to punish people for what they think, feel, or believe,” said ADF Senior Counsel Glen Lavy.
In the paper, Lavy argues that H.R. 1592 would criminalize thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. He asserts that H.R. 1592 also transforms any violation of a state and local ‘hate crime’ law into an offense that can be prosecuted by the federal government. According to Lavy, this could mean that “politically incorrect speech” could become subject to federal prosecution in municipalities that are hostile to traditional values. (ADF)
S. 1105 in the Senate and H.R. 1592 in the House are actually amendments to a federal hate law passed in 1968. During the height of the civil rights movement, "Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 245" stipulated that no one could verbally "…attempt to…intimidate" another person (chiefly black) away from enjoyment of their federally protected right to equal employment, public services, housing, voting rights, jury privileges, etc. If the government finds such verbal "intimidation" in a state and state officials are not enforcing these guarantees, the federal government can invade states' rights in local law enforcement, upholding Title 18. (NPN)
New Teeth for 60's Hate Crimes Law
Fast forward from 1968 to 2007. Instead of guaranteeing such protection just for religion, race and gender, the present hate bill grants it to homosexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals. If the House passes H.R. 1592 this week, it will include not just the language of the present bills posted at the government website but also that of Title 18, making it federally indictable to "…attempt to…intimidate" a homosexual from believing that he (even if he has AIDS or hepatitis) has the right to work in a restaurant, be employed as a police officer or summer camp counselor, or has equal rights to housing and employment anywhere he wishes.
A pastor, Christian broadcaster or publisher who verbally attempts to "intimidate" homosexuals by describing homosexuality as an abomination (Lev. 18:22) are thus high-profile targets for indictment under this legislation.
The federal hate bill, incorporating Title 18, is clearly much more than an attempt to put down violent hate crimes in the states. It is a speech crime bill that, if passed, could immediately outlaw not only discrimination against homosexuals in employment or housing but also public criticism of sodomy. (NationalPrayerNetwork)
Hate Crimes Law Could Muzzle Free Speech, Critics Fear (CNS News)
There is much more information at www.truthtellers.org and these other pro-family websites: www.traditionalvalues.org; www.frc.org, and www.cwfa.org, and www.StopThoughtCrimesLaws.com.
Contact your U.S. Representatives
___________________________________________________________________________________
US Bishops voice support for alternative, ethical stem cell bill S.30
Senate Will Vote On Embryonic Stem Cell Research in April - Two Bills will be considered.
S. 30 The Hope Act: New embryonic stem cell research bill introduced as compromise S. 30 proposes to fund all stem cell research that does not harm or destroy a human embryo. Proposes to study the feasibility of banking amniotic and placental stem cells, modeled on the banking of bone marrow and cord blood stem cells.
This Act may be cited as the `Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act' or the `HOPE Act'. The purpose of the act is to:
-
(1) intensify research that may result in improved understanding of or treatments for diseases and other adverse health conditions; and
-
(2) promote the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines without the creation of human embryos for research purposes and without the destruction or discarding of, or risk of injury to, a human embryo or embryos other than those that are naturally dead.
S. 5 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007: Approved by House and Senate in 2006 and vetoed by President Bush.
This act would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research.
-
`(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.
-
`(2) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded.
`(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation.
Contact your Senators Ask them to support S.30
__________________________________________________________________________________
2 Bills Introduced in Senate as Human Cloning Bans - Don't be misled!
U.S. Senators Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) reintroduced legislation called "The Human Cloning Ban and Stem Cell Protection Act of 2007." This ‘ban on human cloning’, just like with Amendment 2, refers only to the implantation and birth of a cloned child. “[this bill will] Allow the most promising form of stem cell research (somatic cell nuclear transplantation) to be conducted on a human egg for up to 14 days only…Allow this stem cell research only to take place on unfertilized eggs.”
In the Daily Standard Wesley Smith states, "This bill eerily reminds me of Amendment 2, mostly in the way that it falsely defines human cloning as the implantation of the product of SCNT rather than the process of SCNT itself. It’s just filled with junk science and is all around bad legislation.
Brownback, Landrieu Reintroduce Human Cloning Prohibition Act
"Human cloning is an affront to the most basic level of respect for human life and dignity," said Brownback. "Through the process of human cloning, human beings are reduced to commodities and spare parts. I am glad to work with my colleague, Senator Landrieu, who has fought on this issue for some time, and with all the cosponsors to try to ban human cloning."
Senator Landrieu stated, "We need only to turn on the evening news to see that human cloning is a very real and present concern. Human cloning is like an unmarked and unchecked interstate system, with researchers racing as fast as they can with few restrictions. Senator Brownback and I have worked on this issue together for several years now, and our shared conclusion remains the same: creating human life simply for the purpose of destroying it through experimentation is immoral, unethical and should be illegal."
Pro-Life Official Hails Reintroduction of Genuine Cloning Ban
Support the Brownback-Landrieu "Human Cloning Prohibition Act"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
S. J. Res. 10 Equal Rights Amendment Reintroduced
S. J. Res. 10 would add to the Constitution the following amendment: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article."
The National Right to Life Committee warns that leading pro-abortion groups, including NARAL, the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood, are pressing state courts to interpret state-passed Equal Rights Amendments as requiring tax-funded abortion on demand. (CNS News.com)
In the 1970s, Phyllis Schlafly, President of Eagle Forum, and others argued that the ERA would lead to women being drafted by the military and to public unisex bathrooms. Today, she warns lawmakers that its passage would compel courts to approve same-sex marriages and deny Social Security benefits for housewives and widows. Read more below. (WashingtonPost.com)
Contact your Senators and ask them to only support an amendment that contains "abortion neutral" language.
View co-sponsors
Articles:
New Drive Afoot to Pass Equal Rights Amendment
Make Equal Rights Amendment 'Abortion Neutral,' Pro-Lifers Urge
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Hampshire:
This bill establishes civil unions as legally recognized relationships.
The House will vote today or tomorrow on a bill today that would make New Hampshire the fourth state in the nation to recognize same-sex civil unions
...The Catholic church has also weighed in on the issue of civil unions, with Diocese of Manchester Chancellor Diane Quinlan testifying recently at the State House.
Patrick McGee, diocese spokesman, said the church has a strong record on human rights but that civil unions don't fall into that category.
"In essence the church believes marriage is a unique institution passed from generation to generation ... it's part of the natural law that we all follow, and it's essential meaning is between a man and a woman." (Debating who's a couple, who's not...Union Leader)
Legislators email addresses ______________________________________________________________________________________
Comprehensive Sex Education Bill for Schools Introduced
H.R. 1653 Responsible Education About Life or “REAL” Act
This bill introduced by Reps., Lee and Shay and Senator Lautenberg would authorize federal funds for states to offer comprehensive sexual education in schools. NARAL, Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign endorse this bill. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Text for this bill is currently unavailable.
__________________________________________________
AB 374—Legalizing Euthanasia in California
AB 374 is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tues., March 27
ittee on Tuesday,
Deceptively titled California Compassionate Choices Act, AB 374 would allow for terminally ill adults, who are given less than six months to live, to obtain drugs from a physician to kill themselves.AB 374 would establish the so-called California Compassionate Choices Act, ensuring that
“…an adult who meets certain qualifications…suffering from a terminal disease would be able to make a request for medication prescribed pursuant to this bill to provide comfort with an assurance of peaceful dying if suffering becomes unbearable.
Contact committee chairs and express your disapproval.
Dem-9 (916) 319-2009 Assemblymember.jones@assembly.ca.gov Rep-68 (916) 319-2068 Assemblymember.tran@assembly.ca.gov ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AB 14 –Homosexual ‘Discrimination’ in California
AB 14 is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 27.
This legislation would grant more special privileges to homosexuals by enacting the “Civil Rights Act of 2007.” By changing 51 areas of the law, AB 14 will give homosexual a wide variety of “protections” that directly conflict with the basic rights of religious and moral citizens of California.Here are some of the provisions targeting people of faith and Christianity:
•Would prohibit a college campus that receives state funds from using any of those funds to participate with a private organization that does not accept homosexuality.
•Would prohibit the state from getting involved with or using facilities owned by private organizations if they do not accept homosexuality.
•All hospitals in the state, even private religious hospitals, would be forced to explicitly adopt non-discrimination treatment policies listing “sexual orientation” and accepting homosexuality.
•The beliefs of contractors and businesses must be compromised to accept homosexuality in order to receive state contracts under AB 14.
Contact committee chairs and express your disapproval.
Dem-9 (916) 319-2009 Assemblymember.jones@assembly.ca.gov Rep-68 (916) 319-2068 Assemblymember.tran@assembly.ca.gov
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
S. 5 Federally Funded Embryonic Research
This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act and provide federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. Sponsored by Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
Under the Bush Administration, the government has funded research on over 22 stem cell lines based on human embryos existing prior to August 9, 2001. At the private level, embryonic stem cell research is unrestricted. This bill would allow for additional funding beyond the 22 existing cell lines.
The House version of this bill passed 01/07/2007 253 - 174. View voting results
The bill allows for the following:
(1) The stem cells were derived from human embryos that have been donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment.
(2) Prior to the consideration of embryo donation and through consultation with the individuals seeking fertility treatment, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded.
(3) The individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and without receiving any financial or other inducements to make the donation.
Please contact your Senators and let them know that you strongly oppose S. 5.
______________________________________________________________________________
Another Bill Aimed at Grassroots Groups
The “Executive Branch Reform Act,” (H.R. 984) proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA).
The Taditional Values Coalition (TVC) reports:
H.R. 984 or what should be more accurately described as the “Big Brother Act Of 2007” will require Executive Branch officials to report every “significant contact” with lobbyists and any private party (including citizens).
This will require them to spend countless hours logging emails, conversations, faxes, phone calls, letters, etc. These contacts will then be made available on a public database.
By its very definition, the bill's reporting requirements would make it extremely difficult for average citizens to discuss their concerns with public officials. Like the so-called "lobbying reform" push, this is yet another far-reaching attempt to shut people out of the political process. Instead of creating an atmosphere of government transparency, this bill would have the opposite effect.
TVC urges citizens to contact their U.S. Representative immediately to ask that they oppose passage of this sinister bill.
Here are some talking points to use in your letter:
-
H.R. 984 will burden Executive Branch officials with a paperwork blizzard in recording all “significant contacts” with the public. This will cost millions in lost man-hours simply to log all communications for useless reports.
-
H.R. 984 will impede the ability of government officials to freely communicate with citizens on public policy matters. Officials and citizens will fear having their communications in a national database.
-
H.R. 984 is a direct attack upon the right of the American people to petition their government.
-
H.R. 984 punishes officials with steep fines for failures to report every contact accurately and in a timely manner.
-
H.R. 984 will result in less communication between government officials and the public.
-
H.R. 984 will accomplish nothing to improve the ethical behavior of those in government.
Read Article: Lobbying Bill Sparks Populist Uprising -- on Both Sides
Contact your U.S. Representative
______________________________________________________________
So-Called ‘Lobby Reform’ Legislation Goes To House
The House began hearing debate on S. 1, the “Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007.
Section 220 was removed on the Senate floor. There is strong opposition from both liberals and conservatives to legislation that regulates grassroots lobbying, specifically Section 220.
The effect of Section 220 would have created a fearful situation that would have discouraged many smaller grassroots lobbying groups from communicating with Members of Congress and other leaders in the federal government.
Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to oppose any legislation that subverts free speech and the right of all Americans to freely petition their government.
____________________________________________________
The California Traditional Values Coalition Reports Four Pro- Homosexual Bills Introduced
This is Senator Keuhl’s second attempt to force schools to promote homosexuality in textbooks, lessons and more. Her bill last year was thankfully vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But SB 777 is must worse than last year’s bill. SB 777 would affect 25 sections of the Education Code with her pro-homosexual provisions.
Contact your state legislators.
Ask your Senator to VOTE NO on SB 777 & SB 11!!!!
Ask your Assembly Member to VOTE NO on AB 14, AB 43 & AB 675!!!!To find your State Senator or State Assembly member directly click this link and then enter your zip code:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.htmlFor State Senator’s Websites, to find local contact numbers, faxes and emails please go to: http://www.sen.ca.gov/~newsen/senators/senators.htp
For State Assembly Member’s websites, to find local contact numbers, faxes and emails please go to:
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset7text.htm
___________________________________________________________
S4089 Stop the Online Exploitation of Our Children Act of 2006
The bill would enhance the current reporting system by expanding the range of companies obligated to report child pornography to NCMEC; stating specifically what information must be reported to the Center; moving the reporting obligations into the Federal criminal code; imposing higher penalties on companies that do not report child pornography to NCMEC in the manner required by law; and providing greater legal certainty around the child pornography reporting requirement. Sponsored by Sen John McCain (AZ)
Call Senator McCain and thank him for sponsoring this bill. (202) 224-2235
Ask your Senators to support this bill.
____________________________________________________________
Update Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 493)
GINA was voted on unanimously at the House Committee on Education and Labor’s mark up on February 14. Reps. Walberg and Hoekstra offered an amendment related to the unborn. It was defeated by a vote of 27-20.The vote fell along party lines with the exceptions of Democrats Reps. Altmire and Kildee, and Republicans Reps. Biggert and Castle. The Committee adopted an amendment offered by Rep. Kline to clarify record keeping requirements for employers. The bill will be reported out of Education and Labor shortly.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will consider GINA next. To Contact the Chairman of this committee, Congressman John D. Dingel (202) 225-2927
____________________________________________________
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, re-introduced H.R. 1063. This measure has 105 co-sponsors and it makes it a crime to transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion to evade parental consent law or parental notification law in the teen's home state.
CIANA passed the House last September by a bipartisan margin of 264-153, but a minority of Senators blocked the bill by voting against a cloture motion to end debate and vote on the bill.
The House also voted for the bill in April 2005 with an equally lopsided vote in favor of it.
Contact your Representative and urge strong support for the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, HR 1063.
_____________________________________________________
Cardinal says genetic testing legislation should be amended
Cardinal Justin Rigali called on Congress to correct an “unfortunate and apparently unintentional loophole” in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 493), which might discourage parents from adopting or bearing children with disabilities.
The Cardinal warns that, given the current bill, an insurance company may misuse knowledge of a child’s genetic defect to raise a woman’s premiums, cancel her insurance, or even pressure her to have an abortion or cancel adoption plans for a child with special needs, because the company does not wish to cover the additional needs of a child who will develop an illness or disability. Read more
Sponsors of te Bill previously stated in 2005 that the language would be corrected, however this was not done.
Contact the Committee and ask them to amend H.R. 493 to make it clear that such discrimination will not be permitted.
Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, Hon. George Miller email: George.Miller@mail.house.gov
Democratic Staff
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-3725
______________________________________________________
Oppose Mandatory HPV Vaccination of Schoolgirls
Governor Rick Perry of Texas (R) bypassed the state legislature last week and issued an executive order requiring every schoolgirl in Texas to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus by the fall of this year. By employing an executive order, Perry sidestepped opposition in the Legislature from conservatives and parents’ rights groups who fear such a requirement would condone premarital sex and interfere with the way Texans raise their children.
With this one decision, Gov. Perry, a leader with a strong pro-family record, has short-circuited the kind of legislative debate that is most likely to produce a law that will counter the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and protect the constitutional rights of parents to make medical decisions affecting their children's health.
Your help is needed: Call Gov. Perry at 512-463-2000 and ask him to rescind his executive order and allow the Texas state legislature to vote on this issue.Read More... Texas governor orders STD vaccine for all girls Decision comes after maker of cervical cancer shot doubled lobbying efforts Additional Article: Doctors say Perry's vaccine mandate for girls is premature
____________________________________________________________
Rep Duncan Hunter Introduces Right To Life Bill
H.R. 618 Right To Life Act:To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.
California Rep. Duncan Hunter introduced a bill to protect the right to life of unborn children. In a press release, he noted:
“Our greatest obligation as elected leaders is to protect the American people, especially those who are incapable of protecting themselves," said Congressman Hunter. Our children, whether born or unborn, deserve the opportunity to grow and live in a society that values and respects life.______________________________________________________________
Stop CEDAW Now Before It Is Too Late!
Help C-FAM's (Catholic Family and Rights Institute) call in defeating this.
Pro-abortion Democrats are poised to push a radical UN treaty onto the Senate floor for ratification. If you are American you should be gravely concerned for it will be used to uphold abortion in the United States.
Even if you live elsewhere you should be extremely concerned if the US Senate ratifies this treaty which has been used by radicals to force governments to legalize abortion on demand.
CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) is touted by supporters as the International Women's Rights Treaty. The treaty itself is full of nice sounding language about women's equality, something we are all for. But the implementing committee of the treaty, a body that governments must appear before every few years, is as radical as you can get. Here are a few examples of their work.
• The treaty condemns prostitution but the committee has directed governments to legalize prostitution.
• The CEDAW committee has directed 37 pro-life governments to change their laws on abortion, even though the treaty is SILENT on abortion,
• The CEDAW committee has criticized Ireland for allowing the Church to have too strong a voice on public policy.
• The committee has directed Lybia to reinterpret the Koran to fall within committee guidelines (how long before they try that on Christian countries).
Click here to sign the petition and learn more.
_______________________________________________________
Congresswoman and Senator Will Play Hardball on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
Should President Bush issue a second veto of a measure forcing taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research a congresswoman who is one of the leading bill supporters vows to play hardball. Colorado Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette promised to attach the bill to important legislation Bush needs to sign.
"He can do this the easy way, or he can do this the hard way," DeGette threatened.
Because she doesn't have the votes, DeGette says she may amend another bill to include the embryonic stem cell research funding, forcing the president to perhaps veto an otherwise non-controversial measure as a result.
This is the second time the idea has been proposed, as Sen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, promised two weeks ago to attach the measure to another bill. Read entire article
Contact Representative Diana DeGette (CO) and Senator Tom Harkin (IA) and ask them to refrain from dishonest politics.
Rep. Diana DeGette
(202) 225-4431
Fax: (202) 225-5657email: http://www.house.gov/degette/comment.shtml
Senator Tom Harkin
Phone (202) 224-3254
(202) 224-9369 Faxemail: http://harkin.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm
__________________________________________________________________
Brownback Reintroduces Public Expressions of Religion Act
Senator Sam Brownback reintroduced the Public Expressions of Religion Act on Jan. 29. The bill would prevent activist groups from using a 1976 civil rights law to recover attorney’s fees when they sue local cities and towns in cases related to public displays of religion and faith.
“It is not fair for taxpayers to pay the legal bills for groups like the ACLU,” said Brownback. “Currently many small towns comply with the demands of the ACLU rather than risk going to trial and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to the ACLU if they lose the case.”The ACLU opposes this bill.
Last September, the House passed its own version sponsored by Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind. That bill died in the Senate.
Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska was the only Democrat who co-sponsored the bill.
Currently, legal activist groups recover hundreds of thousands of dollars from state and local governments based on a provision of the 1976 Civil Rights Attorney Fees Awards Act, which was intended to assist underprivileged plaintiffs in obtaining legal representation in civil rights cases.
For example, when several groups won a case in Alabama to remove a Ten Commandments display from the Alabama Supreme Court building, taxpayers were forced to pay the groups’ attorneys nearly $550,000.
This new measure would require parties in Establishment Clause cases to pay their own attorney fees.Ask your Senators to support this bill.
_______________________________________________________
Senate Bill Reintroduced on Pain Unborn Children Feel During Abortion
SB# S 51 Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act:
Sen. Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican who is running for president, reintroduced the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, which requires the pain information be given to women contemplating an abortion 20 weeks after fertilization.
The House of Representatives voted last month on a similar bill and approved it on a 250-162 vote. However, the measure was brought up under special rules requiring a two-thirds vote and, as a result, the bill was not sent to the Senate for its consideration.
President Bush has promised to sign the measure into law should Congress approve it.
With abortion advocates now in control of Congress bills like Brownback's may not get a hearing or a debate and vote.
Call and email your Senators asking for a hearing on this bill.
_________________________________________________________________
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill Passes House
Action Needed: Contact the 2 Representatives who ran on being pro-life but voted for this legislationNewly elected Pennsylvania Congressmen Reps. Chris Carney (D) and Jason Altmire (D), voted to support federally funded stem cell research despite stating that they are pro-life.
Please contact these Representatives and voice your disproval for their support of this anti-life bill.
<