By Rev. Mark Creech
Christian Action League
July 15, 2022
The Short Session of the 2021-2022 Legislative Biennium has concluded, and there is good news.
Medical Marijuana and Sports Gambling dominated the agenda for the League this year, and both initiatives failed. Moreover, SCOTUS overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey presents us with an opportunity to save thousands of unborn lives from abortion in North Carolina.
Here’s what happened and the situation we now face. The fight continues. We need your help.
Medical Marijuana Initiative Did Not Succeed
First were our efforts to keep a so-called medicinal marijuana measure from succeeding. SB 711 – NC Compassionate Care Act would have legalized smoked marijuana and marijuana-infused products for patients with debilitating medical conditions.
The Christian Action League vigorously opposed the proposal arguing that using smoked marijuana for a laundry list of medical and psychological conditions is nowhere accepted in serious scientific literature. In no way does it meet the standards of modern medicine. Doctors by law are not allowed to prescribe it as such. It would have to be sold at dispensaries and not a pharmacy, proving that it’s an end-run around medicine.
Lawmakers should not be deciding what medicine is, no matter the barrage of anecdotal evidence they are presented with that it helps people. Smoked marijuana and marijuana-infused products have not been subjected to rigorous testing as standardized medications, nor has it been approved by the FDA as medicine. Moreover, medical marijuana is always the first step to legalizing recreational marijuana.
SB 711 passed the Senate. Many in the House heard our arguments, and the initiative was not taken up in that chamber. By God’s grace, this makes the 13th year, the League has beaten back a marijuana initiative.
Sports Gambling Legislation Failed by One Vote in the House
Second, an initiative powerfully backed by the gaming industry would have dramatically expanded gambling across North Carolina. Addiction, bankruptcy, crime, corruption, child abuse, divorce, and suicide are some of the social costs associated with the spread of gambling.
SB 688 – Sports Wagering would have allowed non-stop sports gambling advertisements, betting, and events online via computers, tablets, smartphones, and TV. The bill would have also allowed professional sports organizations in the state (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, and Charlotte Motor Speedway) to set up lounges for betting while also opening the door for colleges to get involved.
The gaming industry had more than a dozen well-funded lobbyists with staff members to help them press lawmakers to pass this legislation. The lobbying activity of the League was like grasshoppers in their sight. But the Lord stepped into the moment, and that made the difference. Although the bill had passed in the Senate, it failed in the House by one vote.
SCOTUS Overturned Roe v. Wade
And NC Can Protect the Unborn
Finally, on June 24, 2022 – the United States Supreme Court overturned the infamous landmark decisions of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, a half century’s efforts and prayers for restoring a culture of life made its most considerable stride forward.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision did not end abortion nationwide, it restored the sovereignty of the American people to decide on abortion by throwing the issue back to the states. Unfortunately, although a pro-life Republican majority currently controls the North Carolina General Assembly, any legislative initiatives to end or restrict abortions would likely be futile. Undoubtedly, Governor Roy Cooper, who is pro-choice, would veto it.
Therefore, electing a supermajority of pro-life state lawmakers to both chambers in the next election is critical to saving unborn lives in the Tar Heel state. The GOP needs three seats to get a supermajority in the House and two seats in the Senate.
Gov. Cooper also signed an Executive Order guaranteeing special protections for abortion providers and seekers. His Executive Order will make North Carolina a magnet for abortions. At least 21 states had trigger laws that would automatically ban or significantly restrict abortion if Roe v. Wade was overturned. No doubt, abortion seekers from these states will now head for our state, where abortion remains legal.
Should we have any effect on stopping this wholesale slaughter of the innocents, it cannot be emphasized enough – electing supermajorities of pro-life lawmakers in the House and Senate are of the utmost urgency.
After the election, we need to be ready to spring into action with proposed legislation.
The Situation and What Must Be Done
So, here is the situation. Medical Marijuana and Sports Gambling represent vast sums of money. Both initiatives will likely be back when lawmakers reconvene in January 2023 (a little more than five months from now). We will have to fight these battles again, but this year showed us they can be defeated.
Furthermore, after 50 years of abortion in North Carolina, with pro-life super majorities in the House and Senate, we can pass legislation to protect the unborn regardless of the Governor’s veto.
The Christian Action League Needs Your
Financial Help Immediately
None of this is possible, however, without your generous financial support. Thank you for giving to us in the past. We know that inflation is terrible, raising costs on everything. The price of gas has never been so high as it is now. People are struggling. Yet I know you understand the importance of these issues, and perhaps you are prepared to give sacrificially to help us.
Please, will you help us? And we need your help now! On top of all that I just said, it’s the summer months when giving is usually the lowest.
Currently, we are running behind and need to catch up on payroll and pay some of our creditors. I’m not exaggerating; the need is critical.
You can send your contribution online at the following link:
https://christianactionleague.org/donate/
We can assure you that your online donation to the Christian Action League is a secure transaction.
If you prefer to send your gift in the mail. Send it to:
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.
6325 Falls of Neuse Rd.
Suite 35-106
Raleigh, NC 27615
Perhaps you would consider speaking to your church leadership about taking a special offering for the Christian Action League.
Whatever you choose to do, we implore you to pray for us and our work, which is so strategic to the moral climate of our great state.
I look forward to hearing from you.