Christian Action League
July 3, 2013
Dear Friend of the Christian Action League,
Tuesday, July 02, the NC Senate did something truly courageous. They gave tentative approval to HB 695 – Faith, Family & Freedom Protection Act.
The bill was originally a measure about the application of foreign law in state courts that had previously passed the House, but was amended during a Senate Judiciary Committee as a vehicle for a host of pro-life and pro-family provisions.
In all my days, I have never seen a bill so full of good content. I have shared with my friends that the legislation is a veritable Christmas tree of beautiful lights and ornaments representing life, justice and other righteous principles. The only thing missing is the crowning star of final passage and the Governor’s signature. For those of us who believe in faith, family, and freedom, this bill is Christmas in July.
Let me share with you in the briefest of terms what the bill does:
- It prohibits the use of foreign law, such as Sharia law, from being applied in family court actions in North Carolina, if such action violates a person’s fundamental constitutional rights.
- It expands conscience rights for people in the medical field who have moral or religious objections to participating in any procedure that may lead to an abortion.
- It prohibits coverage for abortion in health plans offered through health care exchanges under “Obamacare,” albeit the usual provisions for rape and incest or the life of the mother.
- It prohibits city and county governments from providing abortion coverage beyond what is provided by the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees.
- It bars sex-selective abortions – abortions performed simply because of the unborn child’s gender.
- It requires that anytime a surgical or chemical abortion is performed the doctor must be physically present for the full procedure.
- To prevent Gosnell type violations in abortion clinics, the bill mandates that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services produce regulations that ensure such clinics are similar to surgical ambulatory centers.
The Senate will take up the bill again for passage on its Third Reading Wednesday morning when they convene at 9:00 am. If it passes the Senate as expected, it will then move back to the House for concurrence.
Pro-Choice opponents of HB 695 are expected to be out in force. If you can make it to the Senate gallery at the Legislative Building in Raleigh to show your support for the bill, it could prove to be very helpful.
This, undoubtedly, is the most important legislation of the session. In fact, I’ve never seen a bill of such grave importance as this one in my entire lobbying career.
If you cannot be present, I urge you to fervently pray for the success of this incredible bill.
Yes, pray for Christmas in July!!!!!!!!
Dr. Mark Creech
Executive Director
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.