“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” –Daniel 11:32 (ESV)
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your continued prayers, financial support, and words of encouragement over the past few weeks as we released our endorsements for the upcoming November election. We have some wonderful candidates running for office up and down the ballot, and with your help, we will send them to Santa Fe this January to do the work we need and expect them to do.
In the meantime, there have been several stories in the news recently related to our core issues at Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico. As you know, one of our goals is to help keep you informed of current events related to religious freedom, the family, and life so we can anticipate the challenges and opportunities before us. So, in case you missed it…
Religious Freedom – California Assemblyman Evan Low Withdraws Anti-Religious Freedom Legislation
In a major victory for religious freedom in California, Assemblyman Evan Low withdrew legislation which would have made 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 was misleadingly advertised as a mere “conversion therapy ban,” was originally written to cover any financial transaction, which could have led to a ban on Christian books, retreats, conferences, and/or any paid Christian counseling that helps those with unwanted same-sex attraction. Thankfully, after meeting with pastors, professional counselors, and former LGBTQ persons, Assemblyman Low opted to withdraw the legislation and continue the dialogue. We thank Assemblyman Low for this collegial act and we congratulate Jonathan Keller and the California Family Council for their great work on this matter.
Family – “Drag Queen Story Hour” for Children Invades Public Libraries Across the Country
What began in libraries in New York City and Los Angeles has now spread to at least 40 states. With backing from the American Library Association, “Drag Queen Story Hour” events feature men outfitted in makeup and outfits, using their “drag” name, reading stories to children at public libraries. Despite what organizers claim, there is nothing innocent or “family-friendly” about the events. The story-times have a very specific agenda. According to event organizers, the mission of the program is to “capture the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood” and give children “glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer role models.” Organizers recommend that drag queens read books to children that promote LGBTQ ideology and even provide a list of resources written for children as young as preschoolers. Recommended readings include Teddy’s Favorite Toy, My Princess Boy, and Worm Loves Worm.
Life – Santa Fe City Council Approves Resolution in Support of Assisted Suicide
This week, the Santa Fe City Council adopted a resolution urging the State Legislature to legalize assisted suicide in New Mexico. Santa Fe joins the City of Albuquerque as the second jurisdiction in our state to pass this resolution and efforts are underway in other cities to follow suit. Ahead of the vote, several of you responded to our Action Alert and contacted the Mayor and City Councilors, and we thank you for making your voice heard. Recently, the Albuquerque Journal and The Santa Fe New Mexican published an op-ed I submitted regarding assisted suicide and our concerns with the message we are sending to our children and vulnerable citizens. As I stated in the op-ed, when it comes to providing care for those facing serious illness and/or the end of life, I believe we can and should do better than simply abandoning them to death and hopelessness. Instead, we should work together to find solutions that bring real compassion and care to those when they need it most.
As we come to the end of our fiscal year this month, I want to thank those of you who have generously given to support our efforts. If you would like to help us end strong and continue strong into 2019, please consider setting up a $25 monthly recurring gift today. If everyone reading this supported us with $25/month, we would exceed our fundraising goal for 2019 and I would not have to solicit donations again until 2020! So, if you believe in what we do and are passionate about our vision for New Mexico—a state where religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and live is cherished—please give today.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Sincerely,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
