By M.H. Cavanaugh
Christian Action League
December 29, 2023
The Christian Action League has been a formidable force in North Carolina’s legislative process in 2023, actively engaging in lobbying efforts on a range of critical issues that resonate with its Christian mission and values. From landmark legislation concerning abortion restrictions and maternal support to contentious debates surrounding transgender sports participation and minors’ access to transition surgeries, the CAL has been a driving force in shaping the state’s policies. Additionally, the organization’s tireless lobbying activity against marijuana legalization and a major expansion for gambling to its triumph in protecting churches and their concealed carry rights further underscore its dedication to its principles.
In this report, we delve into the notable government relations undertaken by the Christian Action League in 2023, shedding light on the impact and outcomes of our influence. From victories to setbacks, this abbreviated report provides an overview of this year’s journey through the North Carolina legislative landscape.
Landmark Legislation in NC: Abortion Restrictions and Maternal Help. This year the North Carolina legislature overrode the governor’s veto in passing historic protections for the unborn and their mothers, prohibiting abortion after 12 weeks and approving millions of dollars in assistance for pregnant women and moms in need. Since this legislation was enacted into law, abortions are down in the state by 31%,
The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act: NC’s Game-Changing Law. This year state lawmakers overrode the veto of Gov. Roy Cooper in passing The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. The new law prohibits biological males from playing women’s sports in middle and high school, as well as in colleges and universities. Teams retain their designations as male, female, or coed based on biological sex.
Protecting Minors: NC’s Ban on Transition Surgeries. In 2023, N.C. banned transition surgeries for minors, overriding Gov. Cooper’s veto. Dr. Creech argued minors are restricted from activities like the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. “It’s illegal for them to gamble or have adult sexual relationships. Therefore, allowing them to make such a momentous and unalterable decision as to change one’s gender makes no sense.”
The Parents Bill of Rights: A Victory for Parental Involvement. This year lawmakers overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto on the Parents Bill of Rights legislation. This legislation declares that “parental involvement and empowerment is fundamental to the successful education of all students.” It prohibits instruction on “gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality” in the curriculum for grades kindergarten through fourth grade. Further, it prevents school officials from changing a student’s name or pronoun — in “school records or by school personnel” — without first notifying the parents.
David vs. Goliath: Christian Action League Prevails in Casino Battle. The CAL won a major political victory this year when State House and Senate leadership said they would not vote on casino expansion, either in the budget or in a stand-alone bill. The plan would have added casinos in Anson, Nash, and Rockingham Counties, with a fourth new casino operated by the Lumbee Tribe. The defeat of this initiative was truly a David and Goliath-like story.
There never was a bill filed on this proposal, only draft legislation that was circulated among lawmakers. The initiative was intended to be inserted into the budget by the leadership of the House and Senate, making it more difficult for lawmakers who opposed it to vote against it.
Dr. Creech: ‘Smoked Marijuana Isn’t Medicine.’ Efforts to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes went up in smoke this year. Although the Senate passed so-called medical marijuana legislation, the bill was never taken up by the House. Dr. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said smoked marijuana isn’t medicine. It has never been approved by any major medical organization to treat illness. We don’t approve medicine by legislative fiat. This should be left to the medical community, not legislators.
Push for Major Alcohol Reforms in NC Falls Short. An alcohol initiative put forward this year would have allowed for the opening of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores on Sundays and holidays, repealed the ban on happy hours at bars, and allowed for the sale of to-go mixed beverages. These were only some of the bill’s most egregious 30 provisions, which proposed broad reforms that would dangerously loosen the state’s alcohol control laws. The bill did not move through the process swiftly enough to pass before the end of the session.
Advocating for Change: Lowering BAC Limits in NC. Drunk driving legislation was introduced this year that provided a tremendous opportunity to save lives. It would have lowered the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) for drunk driving from .08 to .05. There were 10,497 fatalities in N.C. due to drunk driving from 1982 to 2019 (the latest statistics available). Unfortunately, the bill was never provided a hearing. Dr. Creech vows to keep fighting for it.
Bill to Display ‘In God We Trust’ Falters in NC Senate. The N.C. House passed legislation this year to display the words “In God We Trust” behind the dais of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Necessary to the survival of our nation is this forceful statement that our hope is not in our intellect, ingenuity, or even inclusiveness. Our hope, as a people, is determined by our trust in the God of the Bible. The bill stalled in the Senate.
CAL’s Three-Year Push for Church Protections Succeeds! This year lawmakers overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto of a church protections bill the Christian Action League pushed for 3 years. Before this legislation, if a private Christian school was located on the same campus as a church, concealed carry was prohibited and these churches couldn’t develop security teams. “These parishioners were as vulnerable as fish in a barrel to some depraved or disturbed soul,” argued Dr. Creech.
The year 2023 was a dynamic and eventful one for the Christian Action League. “It was by far the most intense session in my 24-year tenure as a lobbyist,” said Dr. Mark Creech. “Believe me, that’s saying something,” he added.
Dr. Creech said that it was a time when he was in poor health, still suffering severe symptoms from the life-threatening bout with COVID he suffered two years ago. He said the League was hobbling along with very limited staff and resources. “The entire year, in my estimation, was about God’s grace and sufficiency. For example, the gambling industry had spread around more than a half million dollars in campaign contributions to lawmakers. They had approximately 70 lobbyists running around the halls. Yet there were only three lobbyists on our side, poor as Job’s turkey in comparison, and at the end of the year, their legislation still didn’t succeed. To God be the glory,” said Dr. Creech.
While not every endeavor yielded the desired results, such as the push for major alcohol reforms and lowering the BAC limits, the CAL remains resolute in its determination to continue fighting for the causes it deems essential.
The Christian Action League is very grateful to the churches and concerned citizen Christians who remain resolute in supporting this critical ministry with their prayers and contributions.