“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” –Daniel 11:32 (ESV)
Dear Friends:
In case you missed it, there have been several stories in the news recently related to our core issues at Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico. One of our goals is to keep you informed on current events so we can anticipate some of the potential challenges and opportunities headed our way, particularly as they relate to religious freedom, the family, and life.
Religious Freedom – California State Legislature Passes Draconian Anti-Religious Freedom Legislation
Over the past several weeks, the California State Legislature has been rushing through one of the most controversial and anti-religious freedom bills on record. AB 2943, recently passed by the California Assembly, would make it illegal under California’s consumer protection law to offer “any practices that seek to…change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” The legislation, which has been misleadingly advertised as a mere “conversion therapy ban,” is so broadly written that it could cover any financial transaction. This could lead to a ban on Christian books, retreats, and conferences, and a ban on any paid Christian counseling that helps those with unwanted same-sex attraction.
Family – British Toddler at the Center of UK Legal Battle Passes Away
After weeks of debate and legal appeals, 23-month-old Alfie Evans passed away when his life support was withdrawn by order of a UK Court over the objections of his parents. Alfie was on life support in a UK hospital for nearly half his life due to a degenerative brain disease. The doctors at the hospital ultimately determined that it was in the child’s “best interests” to have life support removed. Alfie’s parents fought desperately in the Court system to save his life and requested permission to seek treatment outside the country. Unfortunately, a UK High Court Justice rejected their request and ordered the termination of Alfie’s life support. Contrary to expectations by the doctors, Alfie continued to breath on his own. His parents appealed to the government once more to leave the country for treatment but, once again, the Court ruled to ban their travel. Alfie passed away a few days later.
Life – Iowa Legislature Passes, Governor Signs Heartbeat Bill
Let’s end this week on a positive note. Last Friday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill to ban most abortions once a heartbeat is detected on the child.
After signing the bill, Governor Reynolds stated, “I believe that all innocent life is precious and sacred, and as governor, I pledged to do everything in my power to protect it. That is what I am doing today. I understand that not everyone will agree with this decision. But if death is determined when a heart stops beating, then doesn’t a beating heart indicate life? For me, it is immoral to stop an innocent beating heart. For me, it is sickening to sell fetal body parts. For me, my faith leads me to protect every Iowan, no matter how small. I understand and anticipate that this will likely be challenged in court, and that courts may even put a hold on the law until it reaches the Supreme Court. However, this is bigger than just a law. This is about life. I am not going to back down from who I am or what I believe in.”
These stories and many others serve as a powerful reminder of why we need elected leaders who are willing to protect religious freedom, family, and life. Next month, Family Policy Foundation will hold our annual Statesmen Academy to train elected officials to stand firm in their faith and advance these values through laws they pass. Two of our legislators from New Mexico have received invitations and confirmed their attendance! If you would like to support the Statesmen Academy, a generous Christian family has provided a matching grant, so every dollar given will be matched – now up to $120,000!
Thank you for standing firm and taking action with us!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Vince Torres
President & Executive Director
