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Religious Liberty
U.S. Bishops: Current Health Care Bills Violate Essential Principles; Will Seek Changes or Have to Oppose
10/08/2009 02:38 PM
WASHINGTON—Three chairmen of the bishops’ committees working on health care reform urged the U.S. Congress to improve current health care reform legislation, expressing their “disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform” cited in their previous letters.
The October 8 letter from Bishop William Murphy, Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishop John Wester reiterated the bishops’ main concerns: that no one should be forced to pay for or participate in an abortion, that health care should be affordable and available to the poor and vulnerable, and that the needs of legal immigrants are met.
Bishop Murphy, Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Wester chair the U.S. bishops’ committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Pro-Life Activities and Immigration, respectively.
The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to working with Congress and the Administration toward genuine health care reform, but stated, “If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill.”
“We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria,” wrote the bishops. “However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes.”
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has advocated for health care reform for decades. The bishops wrote that “Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity. Much-needed reform of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all.”
The full text of the letter can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-10-08-healthcare-letter-congress.pdf
The October 8 letter from Bishop William Murphy, Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishop John Wester reiterated the bishops’ main concerns: that no one should be forced to pay for or participate in an abortion, that health care should be affordable and available to the poor and vulnerable, and that the needs of legal immigrants are met.
Bishop Murphy, Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Wester chair the U.S. bishops’ committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Pro-Life Activities and Immigration, respectively.
The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to working with Congress and the Administration toward genuine health care reform, but stated, “If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill.”
“We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria,” wrote the bishops. “However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes.”
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has advocated for health care reform for decades. The bishops wrote that “Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity. Much-needed reform of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all.”
The full text of the letter can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-10-08-healthcare-letter-congress.pdf
USCCB: Senate Committee Addresses Some Issues, Failies to Correct Abortion Problems and Immigration Concerns
10/02/2009 05:05 PM
WASHINGTON— Officials of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) saw mixed results when the Senate Finance Committee completed voting on amendment to its proposed health care reform bill this week.
In a recent letter to the Senate, the USCCB had called for improvements in the bill to meet the bishops’ key criteria for genuine health care reform: protecting life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants. For the text of this letter see www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf.
The Committee rejected pro-life amendments offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) which the USCCB supported. One amendment would write into this bill the abortion funding policy that has long governed all federal health programs: no federal subsidies for benefits packages that cover abortion, with rare exceptions; insurers could offer supplemental abortion policies if they were funded solely by the private premiums of those choosing to purchase them. Another amendment would forbid federal agencies, and state and local governments receiving federal funds under this bill, to discriminate against health care providers that decline to perform, refer for, or pay for abortions.
“The bill remains deeply flawed on these issues and must be corrected,” said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. “It is especially disheartening that the Senate committee would not even support longstanding conscience language on abortion that has already been accepted as part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s health care reform bill.”
The USCCB’s recent letter had said that “so far, the health reform bills considered in committee, including the new Senate Finance Committee bill, have not met President Obama’s challenge of barring use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience laws.” Doerflinger said this remains true, so “these problems must be corrected on the House and Senate floor.”
On affordability, Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development for the USCCB, said the bill took some steps toward making health care more affordable, but that “many families are still vulnerable to high health care costs. As Congress continues to debate health care reform, it should take further steps to help at-risk poor and low-income families and implement access as soon as possible.” As an example, Saile said, “Expansion of access to programs such as Medicaid should be implemented as soon as possible.”
On inclusion of immigrants, the Committee defeated amendments opposed by the USCCB, which would have placed additional restrictions on legal immigrants and their families from accessing health-care, but failed to improve the access immigrants currently have.
“Legal immigrants, who work hard and pay taxes, should be treated equally with U.S. citizens,” said Kevin Appleby, director of Migration Policy and Public Affairs for the USCCB. “It is counterproductive to the general public health to leave them outside of the system, unable to access preventive treatment and dependent on emergency care. The U.S. bishops will continue to push for affordability grants to legal immigrants and their families and a removal of the five-year waiting period for legal immigrants to access Medicaid.”
For more information on the U.S. bishops’ position on health care reform, visit www.usccb.org/healthcare.
In a recent letter to the Senate, the USCCB had called for improvements in the bill to meet the bishops’ key criteria for genuine health care reform: protecting life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants. For the text of this letter see www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf.
The Committee rejected pro-life amendments offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) which the USCCB supported. One amendment would write into this bill the abortion funding policy that has long governed all federal health programs: no federal subsidies for benefits packages that cover abortion, with rare exceptions; insurers could offer supplemental abortion policies if they were funded solely by the private premiums of those choosing to purchase them. Another amendment would forbid federal agencies, and state and local governments receiving federal funds under this bill, to discriminate against health care providers that decline to perform, refer for, or pay for abortions.
“The bill remains deeply flawed on these issues and must be corrected,” said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. “It is especially disheartening that the Senate committee would not even support longstanding conscience language on abortion that has already been accepted as part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s health care reform bill.”
The USCCB’s recent letter had said that “so far, the health reform bills considered in committee, including the new Senate Finance Committee bill, have not met President Obama’s challenge of barring use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience laws.” Doerflinger said this remains true, so “these problems must be corrected on the House and Senate floor.”
On affordability, Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development for the USCCB, said the bill took some steps toward making health care more affordable, but that “many families are still vulnerable to high health care costs. As Congress continues to debate health care reform, it should take further steps to help at-risk poor and low-income families and implement access as soon as possible.” As an example, Saile said, “Expansion of access to programs such as Medicaid should be implemented as soon as possible.”
On inclusion of immigrants, the Committee defeated amendments opposed by the USCCB, which would have placed additional restrictions on legal immigrants and their families from accessing health-care, but failed to improve the access immigrants currently have.
“Legal immigrants, who work hard and pay taxes, should be treated equally with U.S. citizens,” said Kevin Appleby, director of Migration Policy and Public Affairs for the USCCB. “It is counterproductive to the general public health to leave them outside of the system, unable to access preventive treatment and dependent on emergency care. The U.S. bishops will continue to push for affordability grants to legal immigrants and their families and a removal of the five-year waiting period for legal immigrants to access Medicaid.”
For more information on the U.S. bishops’ position on health care reform, visit www.usccb.org/healthcare.
UPDATE: Committee Rejects PL Amendments; Thank Conrad for Vote
10/01/2009 09:58 AM
The Sentate Finance Committee yesterday rejected Senator Orrin Hatch's pro-life and conscience protection amendments to the health care reform bill.
Senator Kent Conrad voted in favor of the amendments. Please contact Senator Conrad and thank him for his vote in favor of the Hatch amendments on abortion funding and conscience protection. Hearing from constituents will help solidify his support if the full Senate votes on the same amendments.
Senator Conrad also voted in favor of restoring funding for abstinence education. The committee approved that amendment.
Senator Kent Conrad
Washington: (202) 224-2043
Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
http://conrad.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm
Senator Kent Conrad voted in favor of the amendments. Please contact Senator Conrad and thank him for his vote in favor of the Hatch amendments on abortion funding and conscience protection. Hearing from constituents will help solidify his support if the full Senate votes on the same amendments.
Senator Conrad also voted in favor of restoring funding for abstinence education. The committee approved that amendment.
Senator Kent Conrad
Washington: (202) 224-2043
Bismarck: (701) 258-4648
Toll Free: 1-800-223-4457
Fargo: Telephone: (701) 232-8030
Grand Forks: Telephone: (701) 775-9601
Minot: Telephone: (701) 852-0703
http://conrad.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm
Still Time to Contact Conrad on Health Care Reform Amendments
09/28/2009 01:53 PM
The Senate Finance Committee will start work again tommorrow (Tuesday, September 29.) There is still time to contact Senator Conrad and urge him to vote for the Enzi and Hatch amendments to the health care reform bill. Get the action alert here.
Summary of Current Life-Related Amendments to House Health Care Bill
07/31/2009 04:59 PM
This just in from USCCB Pro-Life Department:
Here’s an analysis of amendments on abortion in health care reform, as approved in House Energy and Commerce Committee last night.
While meeting last night to mark up the health care reform legislation (HR 3200), the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a confusing set of amendments on abortion -- some of them helpful, others showing that more work needs to be done.
The Capps amendment, presented as a compromise, has the following features. Beginning with the most unacceptable features and working our way down to those that are more positive:
- The "public plan" (government-run health plan offered in every region of the country) will include whatever abortions are eligible for federal funding in a given year, and will include ALL abortions if the HHS Secretary approves that.
- Federal subsidies will help pay the premiums for health benefits that include unlimited abortions. But if abortions in the plan do go beyond what the Hyde amendment allows funding for in that year, the premium amount for the additional abortions must be paid for by the covered party's private funds. This is a bookkeeping exercise, a complicated actuarial exercise that artificially separates the abortion premium on paper from the rest of the premium. The plans including elective abortions will cost (at a minimum) one dollar more a month. This is a major departure from the Hyde amendment and similar provisions in current law, which simply prohibit federal funding of elective abortions and of any benefits package that includes them.
- Each regional poll or "Exchange" must have at least one plan that includes abortions, and at least one that does not include them beyond the Hyde exceptions (and the latter may, if it wishes, exclude all abortions).
- Neither the Act nor the HHS Secretary may mandate that private plans either include or exclude abortions.
- Nothing in the Act alters rights and responsibilities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (religious accommodation for employees) or current state or federal laws requiring provision of emergency services. (The federal law on this subject, known as EMTALA [Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act], does not mention abortion and has never been used to require anyone to perform an abortion.)
- No health plan in an “Exchange” may discriminate against a health care provider or facility based on his, her or its willingness OR unwillingness to provide abortions.
- Nothing in the Act may be construed to preempt state laws on abortion or abortion coverage, or federal laws on conscience protection or discrimination based on abortion.
Also approved was a very positive Pitts/Stupak amendment that writes the Weldon amendment on conscience protection into the Act: A federal agency, or state or local government receiving federal funds under the Act, may not discriminate against an individual or institutional health care provider because the provider does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. (The amendment originally included a provision on conscience rights in contexts other than abortion, but this drew strong opposition and had to be dropped.)
There was a second Stupak/Pitts amendment to apply the traditional Hyde amendment language to federal funding under this Act, so federal funds would not subsidize any part of a health plan that includes elective abortions. This would mean purchase of such abortion coverage would be truly private and voluntary, done by purchasing an optional rider with one's own funds. This amendment failed late Friday afternoon.
In addition to the "paper separation" provision of the Capps Amendment, weakening application of the Hyde amendment, the major objectionable abortion-related provision in the bill now is the requirement that the "public plan" (the government-run plan that may become a norm for health plans across the country) will include abortions, contrary to the practice in every other federal government-run health program in the nation. However, we have made good progress in terms of retaining current abortion laws, preserving conscience rights (at least on abortion), and ensuring that some private plans excluding abortion will be available. We hope to improve the legislation further on the House floor and to pursue better solutions to some of these problems in the Senate.
In this situation I would simply like to acknowledge the special and courageous role played by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), Democratic co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus. He tried to negotiate a solution with committee chair Henry Waxman, and when that broke down over the issues of public funding and mandates for abortion he stood up to his own party leadership by insisting that Congress should do a better job of advancing health care reform that respects human life. He will continue to work to improve this legislation and will need our help.
Here’s an analysis of amendments on abortion in health care reform, as approved in House Energy and Commerce Committee last night.
While meeting last night to mark up the health care reform legislation (HR 3200), the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a confusing set of amendments on abortion -- some of them helpful, others showing that more work needs to be done.
The Capps amendment, presented as a compromise, has the following features. Beginning with the most unacceptable features and working our way down to those that are more positive:
- The "public plan" (government-run health plan offered in every region of the country) will include whatever abortions are eligible for federal funding in a given year, and will include ALL abortions if the HHS Secretary approves that.
- Federal subsidies will help pay the premiums for health benefits that include unlimited abortions. But if abortions in the plan do go beyond what the Hyde amendment allows funding for in that year, the premium amount for the additional abortions must be paid for by the covered party's private funds. This is a bookkeeping exercise, a complicated actuarial exercise that artificially separates the abortion premium on paper from the rest of the premium. The plans including elective abortions will cost (at a minimum) one dollar more a month. This is a major departure from the Hyde amendment and similar provisions in current law, which simply prohibit federal funding of elective abortions and of any benefits package that includes them.
- Each regional poll or "Exchange" must have at least one plan that includes abortions, and at least one that does not include them beyond the Hyde exceptions (and the latter may, if it wishes, exclude all abortions).
- Neither the Act nor the HHS Secretary may mandate that private plans either include or exclude abortions.
- Nothing in the Act alters rights and responsibilities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (religious accommodation for employees) or current state or federal laws requiring provision of emergency services. (The federal law on this subject, known as EMTALA [Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act], does not mention abortion and has never been used to require anyone to perform an abortion.)
- No health plan in an “Exchange” may discriminate against a health care provider or facility based on his, her or its willingness OR unwillingness to provide abortions.
- Nothing in the Act may be construed to preempt state laws on abortion or abortion coverage, or federal laws on conscience protection or discrimination based on abortion.
Also approved was a very positive Pitts/Stupak amendment that writes the Weldon amendment on conscience protection into the Act: A federal agency, or state or local government receiving federal funds under the Act, may not discriminate against an individual or institutional health care provider because the provider does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. (The amendment originally included a provision on conscience rights in contexts other than abortion, but this drew strong opposition and had to be dropped.)
There was a second Stupak/Pitts amendment to apply the traditional Hyde amendment language to federal funding under this Act, so federal funds would not subsidize any part of a health plan that includes elective abortions. This would mean purchase of such abortion coverage would be truly private and voluntary, done by purchasing an optional rider with one's own funds. This amendment failed late Friday afternoon.
In addition to the "paper separation" provision of the Capps Amendment, weakening application of the Hyde amendment, the major objectionable abortion-related provision in the bill now is the requirement that the "public plan" (the government-run plan that may become a norm for health plans across the country) will include abortions, contrary to the practice in every other federal government-run health program in the nation. However, we have made good progress in terms of retaining current abortion laws, preserving conscience rights (at least on abortion), and ensuring that some private plans excluding abortion will be available. We hope to improve the legislation further on the House floor and to pursue better solutions to some of these problems in the Senate.
In this situation I would simply like to acknowledge the special and courageous role played by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), Democratic co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus. He tried to negotiate a solution with committee chair Henry Waxman, and when that broke down over the issues of public funding and mandates for abortion he stood up to his own party leadership by insisting that Congress should do a better job of advancing health care reform that respects human life. He will continue to work to improve this legislation and will need our help.
Labor-HHS Appropriations Affirm Conscience Protections
07/17/2009 04:28 PM
The House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee has approved its FY2010 appropriations legislation with conscience clause protections for health care providers intact. The protections, known as the Hyde-Weldon amendments, have been included in previous Labor-HHS appropriations and are strongly supported by the Catholic health ministry. Following the subcommittee's approval, the amendments are likely to remain in the legislation as it goes to consideration by the full House Appropriations Committee. Source: Catholic Health Association
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Conscience Rights
04/09/2009 07:42 AM
WASHINGTON—A nationwide poll conducted on March 23-25 found that 87 percent of adults surveyed believe it is important to “make sure that healthcare professionals in America are not forced to participate in procedures and practices to which they have moral objections.” Conducted by the polling company™, inc./WomanTrend on behalf of the Christian Medical Association (CMA), the survey also showed majority support even among self-identified “pro-choice” respondents for the two-month-old conscience protection regulation now at risk of being rescinded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Deirdre McQuade, spokeswoman on abortion at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), welcomed the data and urged HHS to keep the current regulation in place.
“The Obama administration has moved to rescind a vital HHS regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers,” McQuade said, “But according to this new survey, the majority of Americans—whether ‘pro-life’ or ‘pro-choice’, male or female, Republican or Democratic—support the regulation and oppose its rescission.”
The survey summary and methodology are available at www.freedom2care.org. The Freedom2Care Coalition is an ad hoc coalition organized by the CMA to defend the conscience rights of health care professionals and students.
The USCCB and Freedom2Care are helping Americans voice their support for the regulations by midnight April 9 when the public comment period draws to a close. To date, a total of over 73,000 e-mail messages have been sent to HHS through Freedom2Care.org and the USCCB’s e-mail campaign facilitated by its partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
“Only one day remains to defend the existing regulation,” McQuade explained. “I urge all concerned citizens to e-mail HHS and pray for the protection of conscience rights.”
The USCCB has advocated for the strongest possible protection for conscience rights since the current regulation was first considered in the summer of 2008. For additional resources, including links to the e-mail campaign and bi-lingual YouTube videos of medical professionals and USCCB president Cardinal Francis George, visit: www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection.
“The Obama administration has moved to rescind a vital HHS regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers,” McQuade said, “But according to this new survey, the majority of Americans—whether ‘pro-life’ or ‘pro-choice’, male or female, Republican or Democratic—support the regulation and oppose its rescission.”
The survey summary and methodology are available at www.freedom2care.org. The Freedom2Care Coalition is an ad hoc coalition organized by the CMA to defend the conscience rights of health care professionals and students.
The USCCB and Freedom2Care are helping Americans voice their support for the regulations by midnight April 9 when the public comment period draws to a close. To date, a total of over 73,000 e-mail messages have been sent to HHS through Freedom2Care.org and the USCCB’s e-mail campaign facilitated by its partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
“Only one day remains to defend the existing regulation,” McQuade explained. “I urge all concerned citizens to e-mail HHS and pray for the protection of conscience rights.”
The USCCB has advocated for the strongest possible protection for conscience rights since the current regulation was first considered in the summer of 2008. For additional resources, including links to the e-mail campaign and bi-lingual YouTube videos of medical professionals and USCCB president Cardinal Francis George, visit: www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection.
House Defeats Threat to Religious Liberty
04/03/2009 06:25 PM
The state House of Representatives defeated SB 2278, which would have added sexual orientation to the state’s Human Rights Act without adequately protecting religious liberties. The vote was 34 to 54.
Urgent Action Alert: Religious Liberty Threatened by Sexual Orientation Bill
03/30/2009 05:01 PM
SB 2278 would add “sexual orientation” to the North Dakota Human Rights Act, giving sexual expression and sexual activities protected status under the law. The proposal raises troubling religious liberty concerns for churches as employers and providers of educational and social services, and to all individuals whose religious beliefs do not condone homosexuality or other sexual acts outside of marriage. Tell your state representatives not to discriminate against you and your religious beliefs. Ask them to vote NO on SB 2278. (Read more on why SB 2278 threatens religious liberty.)
Message: Please protect our religious liberties and vote NO on Senate Bill 2278.
When: Immediately.The House will likely vote on it as soon as they come back from the flood/blizzard recess. Friday, April 3.
Who: North Dakota Representatives
Where: 1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local) or e-mail at the address listed at the Legislative Council website.
More information on contacting your legislators.
Why Does Senate Bill 2278 Threaten Religious Liberty?
Senate Bill 2278 adds “sexual orientation” to the North Dakota Human Rights Act, making it a protected class under the law in matters of employment and public accommodations. The definition of sexual orientation is ambiguous enough to extend to sexual acts and expressions. Public accommodations includes most services, including private education, rental of church and school meeting rooms, and use of Knights of Columbus halls. Many people and religious bodies do not approve of homosexuality and other sexual activities outside of marriage. Senate Bill 2278, however, does not protect churches or employers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs.
Doesn’t the bill have religious exemptions?
At first glance, SB 2287 appears to exempt religious entities, but a closer look reveals that the exemptions are not exemptions at all. Only one of the “exemptions” applies to matters involving sexual orientation and it is so narrowly drawn that it only applies to employment for “religious positions.” It does not apply to other personnel, such as school employees, and it does not apply at all to public accommodations.
The other “exemptions” thrown into the bill do not apply to matters involving sexual orientation.
In short, Senate Bill 2278 contains no real protection for religious entities from claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation (which includes sexual activities), whether it be in employment matters or public accommodations.
Message: Please protect our religious liberties and vote NO on Senate Bill 2278.
When: Immediately.
Who: North Dakota Representatives
Where: 1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local) or e-mail at the address listed at the Legislative Council website.
More information on contacting your legislators.
Why Does Senate Bill 2278 Threaten Religious Liberty?
Senate Bill 2278 adds “sexual orientation” to the North Dakota Human Rights Act, making it a protected class under the law in matters of employment and public accommodations. The definition of sexual orientation is ambiguous enough to extend to sexual acts and expressions. Public accommodations includes most services, including private education, rental of church and school meeting rooms, and use of Knights of Columbus halls. Many people and religious bodies do not approve of homosexuality and other sexual activities outside of marriage. Senate Bill 2278, however, does not protect churches or employers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs.
Doesn’t the bill have religious exemptions?
At first glance, SB 2287 appears to exempt religious entities, but a closer look reveals that the exemptions are not exemptions at all. Only one of the “exemptions” applies to matters involving sexual orientation and it is so narrowly drawn that it only applies to employment for “religious positions.” It does not apply to other personnel, such as school employees, and it does not apply at all to public accommodations.
The other “exemptions” thrown into the bill do not apply to matters involving sexual orientation.
In short, Senate Bill 2278 contains no real protection for religious entities from claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation (which includes sexual activities), whether it be in employment matters or public accommodations.
Protecting Conscience Rights in Health Care: Our Voice is Needed!
03/27/2009 10:51 AM
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting public comment on a proposal to rescind an important federal regulation issued in December. The regulation implements and enforces three federal laws protecting the conscience rights of health care providers, especially those at risk of being discriminated against because of their moral or religious objection to abortion.
The Catholic community must speak out to protect Catholic doctors, nurses and hospitals.
Additional Information & Conscience Protection Resources
The Catholic community must speak out to protect Catholic doctors, nurses and hospitals.
Additional Information & Conscience Protection Resources
Update on Various Bills
03/26/2009 03:28 PM
The state legislature will take up several important bills when it returns from the flood-fighting recess. Now is the time to contact your legislators on these bills.
Senate Bill 2278 - Adds Sexual Orientation to Human Rights Act
The bill goes to the House floor for a final vote next week.
While the Catholic Church condemns arbitrary discrimination and prejudice against a person because of sexual attraction, the North Dakota Catholic Conference opposes this bill for several reasons.
Contact your Representatives and urge them to vote “No” on SB 2278. Let them know you do not condone unjust discrimination because of sexual attraction, but that SB 2278 is a bad bill.
Senate Bill 2283 - Health Care for Pregnant Women and Unborn Children
The bill is on the House calendar and could be voted on as early as Monday.
Contact your Representatives and urge them to vote “Yes” on SB 2283.
Go here to find out more.
House Bill 1371 - Ultrasound Bill
Received a favorable recommendation from the Human Services Committee, but the full Senate still has to vote on it.
Contact your Senator and urge him or her to vote “Yes” on HB 1371.
House Concurrent Resolution 3015 - Anti-FOCA Resolution
Received a favorable recommendation from the Human Services Committee, but the full Senate still have to vote on it.
Contact your Senator and urge him or her to vote “Yes” on HCR 3105.
House Bill 1445 - Woman told before abortion that the act will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.
The bill is still in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will probably act on it early next week.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support HB 1445 without amendments.
House Bill 1572 - “Personhood Bill”
The bill is still in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will probably act on it early next week.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support the Catholic Conference’s proposed amendments to HB 1572.
Go here for more information.
House Bill 1478 - Children’s Health Insurance
The Human Services Committee restored the Governor’s recommendation to expand coverage to 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill is now being reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Appropriations Committee and urge them to support funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program to at least 200% of the federal poverty level.
Contact Information:
1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local) or e-mail at the address listed at the Legislative Council website.
More information on contacting your legislators.
Senate Judiciary (for HB 1445 and HB 1572)
Dave Nething - Chairman
Curtis Olafson - Vice Chairman
Tom Fiebiger
Stanley W. Lyson
Carolyn Nelson
Mac Schneider
Senate Appropriations Committee (For HB 1478)
Ray Holmberg - Chairman
Bill Bowman - Vice Chairman
Tony S. Grindberg - Vice Chairman
Randel Christmann
Tom Fischer
Ralph L. Kilzer
Aaron Krauter
Karen K. Krebsbach
Elroy N. Lindaas
Tim Mathern
Larry J. Robinson
Tom Seymour
Rich Wardner
John Warner
Senate Bill 2278 - Adds Sexual Orientation to Human Rights Act
The bill goes to the House floor for a final vote next week.
While the Catholic Church condemns arbitrary discrimination and prejudice against a person because of sexual attraction, the North Dakota Catholic Conference opposes this bill for several reasons.
- The bill contains no real protections for religious entities
- The bill contains no protections for faith-driven organizations not owned by churches
- It does not expressly exempt youth and scouting organizations
- The bill’s definition of “sexual orientation” encompasses acts, including sexual acts outside of marriage
- Existing law already protects workers engaged in lawful activities outside of work
Contact your Representatives and urge them to vote “No” on SB 2278. Let them know you do not condone unjust discrimination because of sexual attraction, but that SB 2278 is a bad bill.
Senate Bill 2283 - Health Care for Pregnant Women and Unborn Children
The bill is on the House calendar and could be voted on as early as Monday.
Contact your Representatives and urge them to vote “Yes” on SB 2283.
Go here to find out more.
House Bill 1371 - Ultrasound Bill
Received a favorable recommendation from the Human Services Committee, but the full Senate still has to vote on it.
Contact your Senator and urge him or her to vote “Yes” on HB 1371.
House Concurrent Resolution 3015 - Anti-FOCA Resolution
Received a favorable recommendation from the Human Services Committee, but the full Senate still have to vote on it.
Contact your Senator and urge him or her to vote “Yes” on HCR 3105.
House Bill 1445 - Woman told before abortion that the act will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.
The bill is still in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will probably act on it early next week.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support HB 1445 without amendments.
House Bill 1572 - “Personhood Bill”
The bill is still in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will probably act on it early next week.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support the Catholic Conference’s proposed amendments to HB 1572.
Go here for more information.
House Bill 1478 - Children’s Health Insurance
The Human Services Committee restored the Governor’s recommendation to expand coverage to 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill is now being reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference does not send out action alerts until a committee completes action on the bill. You may contact the Appropriations Committee and urge them to support funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program to at least 200% of the federal poverty level.
Contact Information:
1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local) or e-mail at the address listed at the Legislative Council website.
More information on contacting your legislators.
Senate Judiciary (for HB 1445 and HB 1572)
Dave Nething - Chairman
Curtis Olafson - Vice Chairman
Tom Fiebiger
Stanley W. Lyson
Carolyn Nelson
Mac Schneider
Senate Appropriations Committee (For HB 1478)
Ray Holmberg - Chairman
Bill Bowman - Vice Chairman
Tony S. Grindberg - Vice Chairman
Randel Christmann
Tom Fischer
Ralph L. Kilzer
Aaron Krauter
Karen K. Krebsbach
Elroy N. Lindaas
Tim Mathern
Larry J. Robinson
Tom Seymour
Rich Wardner
John Warner
Grave Concern Over Threat to Conscience Protection
02/27/2009 04:22 PM
WASHINGTON—Deirdre McQuade, spokesperson on abortion and related issues at the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops, commented today on reports that the Obama administration is moving to rescind a federal regulation that implements longstanding federal statutes protecting conscience rights in the health care profession.
“We are gravely concerned over today’s news that the Obama administration may rescind the current federal regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers,” McQuade said. “Efforts to nullify or weaken any conscience protection will undermine our national heritage of diversity and religious freedom, reduce patients’ access to life-affirming health care, and endanger the national consensus required to enact much-needed health care reform.”
“The Administration says it will open a new 30-day comment period so Americans may voice their concerns. We encourage participation in this process by all committed to the sanctity of human life, the freedom of conscience, and the ethical integrity of our healing professions,” she added.
The USCCB issued a statement last August welcoming the proposed regulation when it was first released for public comment by the Bush administration (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-118.shtml). Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, also wrote to Congress urging respect for conscience protection measures (www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf). Formal comments on the proposal were later submitted by the USCCB Office of General Counsel (www.usccb.org/ogc/ruleind.shtml), and the Conference welcomed issuance of the final rule in December (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-203.shtml).
“We are gravely concerned over today’s news that the Obama administration may rescind the current federal regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers,” McQuade said. “Efforts to nullify or weaken any conscience protection will undermine our national heritage of diversity and religious freedom, reduce patients’ access to life-affirming health care, and endanger the national consensus required to enact much-needed health care reform.”
“The Administration says it will open a new 30-day comment period so Americans may voice their concerns. We encourage participation in this process by all committed to the sanctity of human life, the freedom of conscience, and the ethical integrity of our healing professions,” she added.
The USCCB issued a statement last August welcoming the proposed regulation when it was first released for public comment by the Bush administration (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-118.shtml). Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, also wrote to Congress urging respect for conscience protection measures (www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf). Formal comments on the proposal were later submitted by the USCCB Office of General Counsel (www.usccb.org/ogc/ruleind.shtml), and the Conference welcomed issuance of the final rule in December (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-203.shtml).
Bismarck to Launch Fight FOCA Campaign with Event
01/16/2009 08:18 AM
The Diocese of Bismarck will launch its Fight FOCA Campaign on Monday, January 19 with a press conference and “newspaper stuffing” event at Ascension Parish. The stuffing event starts at 6:30.
The Bismarck Tribune has this story on the event.
The Bismarck Tribune has this story on the event.
Fight FOCA Campaign
01/10/2009 09:44 AM
The Bismarck Diocese will be stuffing the Dakota Catholic Action newspapers at a special event on January 19. At least 250 volunteers are needed to insert 24,000 postcards. This will happen on Monday, January 19, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Church of Ascension, 1905 S 3rd St, Bismarck. Bishop Paul A. Zipfel will be in attendance and coffee will be served. For more information, contact Joyce McDowell at 701-222-3035 or toll-free at 1-877-405-7435.
The Fargo Diocese is distributing postcards to the parishes. Every parish should receive their order by January 16. For more information, contact Rachelle Sauvageau at 701-356-7910.
The Fargo Diocese is distributing postcards to the parishes. Every parish should receive their order by January 16. For more information, contact Rachelle Sauvageau at 701-356-7910.
Bishops Welcome Regulation Protecting Conscience
12/19/2008 06:55 AM
WASHINGTON — A final regulation protecting health care providers’ conscience rights was issued December 18 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Catholic bishops’ spokesperson on abortion, Deirdre A. McQuade, welcomed the published regulation as a way to protect medical personnel from being coerced to violate their consciences in federally funded programs. The regulation clarifies and implements existing federal statutes enacted by Congress in 1973, 1996 and 2004. (For the text of these laws see www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/abortion/crmay08.pdf.)
“Individuals and institutions committed to healing should not be required to take the very human life that they are dedicated to protecting,” McQuade said. “The enforcement of federal laws to protect their freedom of conscience is long overdue.”
“Catholic health care providers will especially welcome this mark of respect for the excellent life-affirming care they provide to all in need. But Catholics do not stand alone in opposition to the deliberate destruction of nascent human life. All health care providers should be free to serve their patients without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions in support of life,” McQuade said.
“The USCCB thanks Secretary Michael Leavitt for implementing this regulation,” McQuade said. “We urge the incoming Congress and Administration to honor this much-needed implementation of longstanding laws. Respect for conscience rights on abortion should be a strong point of agreement among those considering themselves ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice.’ Yet this regulation is already under attack. A month before it was even published, pro-abortion senators had introduced a bill (S. 20) to invalidate it regardless of its content.”
The USCCB issued a statement on August 21 welcoming the proposed regulation when it was first released for public comment (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-118.shtml). Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, also wrote to Congress urging respect for conscience protection measures (www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf). Formal comments on the proposal were later submitted by the USCCB Office of General Counsel (www.usccb.org/ogc/ruleind.shtml).
“Individuals and institutions committed to healing should not be required to take the very human life that they are dedicated to protecting,” McQuade said. “The enforcement of federal laws to protect their freedom of conscience is long overdue.”
“Catholic health care providers will especially welcome this mark of respect for the excellent life-affirming care they provide to all in need. But Catholics do not stand alone in opposition to the deliberate destruction of nascent human life. All health care providers should be free to serve their patients without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions in support of life,” McQuade said.
“The USCCB thanks Secretary Michael Leavitt for implementing this regulation,” McQuade said. “We urge the incoming Congress and Administration to honor this much-needed implementation of longstanding laws. Respect for conscience rights on abortion should be a strong point of agreement among those considering themselves ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice.’ Yet this regulation is already under attack. A month before it was even published, pro-abortion senators had introduced a bill (S. 20) to invalidate it regardless of its content.”
The USCCB issued a statement on August 21 welcoming the proposed regulation when it was first released for public comment (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-118.shtml). Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, also wrote to Congress urging respect for conscience protection measures (www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf). Formal comments on the proposal were later submitted by the USCCB Office of General Counsel (www.usccb.org/ogc/ruleind.shtml).
Bishops Welcome HHS Regulations Protecting Conscience Rights In Health Care
08/21/2008 03:47 PM
Federal regulations protecting health care providers’ conscience rights were released for public comment August 21, by Secretary Michael Leavitt of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Catholic bishops’ spokesperson on abortion, Deirdre A. McQuade, welcomed the proposed regulations as a way to protect medical personnel from being coerced to violate their consciences in federally funded programs.
“Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel face pressure to participate in abortion – a practice that many find abhorrent in good conscience,” McQuade said. “The enforcement of federal laws designed to protect their freedom of conscience is long overdue.”
“This is not just about Catholic health care. Catholics do not stand alone in opposition to the deliberate destruction of nascent human life. All health care providers should be free to serve their patients without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions on the value of life,” McQuade said.
“Organizations calling themselves ‘pro-choice’ are actually pro-coercion in seeking to deny the freedom of doctors and nurses,” McQuade said. “Don’t doctors have the right to choose not to participate?”
“Over the coming thirty days of public comment, the bishops urge the pro-life American public to thank Secretary Leavitt and encourage HHS to implement the strongest possible regulations,” McQuade said.
On July 18, Cardinal Rigali, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, wrote to Congress urging all Senators and Representatives to support conscience protection measures. The full text of his letter may be found at:
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf
“Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel face pressure to participate in abortion – a practice that many find abhorrent in good conscience,” McQuade said. “The enforcement of federal laws designed to protect their freedom of conscience is long overdue.”
“This is not just about Catholic health care. Catholics do not stand alone in opposition to the deliberate destruction of nascent human life. All health care providers should be free to serve their patients without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions on the value of life,” McQuade said.
“Organizations calling themselves ‘pro-choice’ are actually pro-coercion in seeking to deny the freedom of doctors and nurses,” McQuade said. “Don’t doctors have the right to choose not to participate?”
“Over the coming thirty days of public comment, the bishops urge the pro-life American public to thank Secretary Leavitt and encourage HHS to implement the strongest possible regulations,” McQuade said.
On July 18, Cardinal Rigali, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, wrote to Congress urging all Senators and Representatives to support conscience protection measures. The full text of his letter may be found at:
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf
Cardinal Urges Respect for Conscience
07/18/2008 01:22 PM
From USCCB:
Responding to objections to anticipated federal HHS regulations protecting health care providers’ fundamental rights of conscience, Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, today wrote to all members of Congress defending “efforts to reaffirm and implement laws on conscience protection.”
The New York Times on July 15 reported that it had obtained an alleged draft of regulations soon to be issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, to clarify and enforce federal laws on respect for the moral and religious convictions of health care personnel in programs receiving federal funds. Pro-abortion organizations and some members of Congress have already attacked the as-yet-unpublished regulations, saying they are unwarranted and could limit “access” to abortion and birth control.
Reacting to these criticisms, Cardinal Rigali said this “should be a matter of agreement among members who call themselves ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice’: the freedom of health care providers to serve the public without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions on the sanctity of human life.”
A copy of the letter is here: http://www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf
Responding to objections to anticipated federal HHS regulations protecting health care providers’ fundamental rights of conscience, Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, today wrote to all members of Congress defending “efforts to reaffirm and implement laws on conscience protection.”
The New York Times on July 15 reported that it had obtained an alleged draft of regulations soon to be issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, to clarify and enforce federal laws on respect for the moral and religious convictions of health care personnel in programs receiving federal funds. Pro-abortion organizations and some members of Congress have already attacked the as-yet-unpublished regulations, saying they are unwarranted and could limit “access” to abortion and birth control.
Reacting to these criticisms, Cardinal Rigali said this “should be a matter of agreement among members who call themselves ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice’: the freedom of health care providers to serve the public without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions on the sanctity of human life.”
A copy of the letter is here: http://www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf
Lawsuit against Dakota Boys Ranch Dismissed
07/17/2008 03:02 PM
The Associated Press is reporting that a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit over North Dakota referrals to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. The story is here.
HHS Secretary Leavitt Praised For Defending Physicians’ Conscience Rights
03/19/2008 02:36 PM
WASHINGTON— Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt was praised for defending physicians’ conscience rights by Deirdre McQuade, spokesperson on pro-life issues for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. She made her comments on March 19 following a public attack on Secretary Leavitt by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
The attack was prompted by a March 14 letter from Secretary Leavitt to the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), expressing concern about a new ethics opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calling on conscientiously opposed physicians to perform or refer for abortions. Ms. McQuade’s statement follows.
“Secretary Leavitt should be commended for defending federal laws protecting the conscience rights of physicians. The new ACOG ethics opinion calling on pro-life OB/GYNs to perform or refer for abortions is in direct conflict with the policy reflected in federal law since 1973. Indeed, just yesterday, a federal judge in California dismissed a challenge to a federal law protecting physicians in government programs from being forced to do abortion referrals.
“If the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology relies on the ACOG opinion when deciding whether to grant board certifications, hospitals could find themselves illegally discriminating against perfectly qualified physicians who have been denied certification for ideological reasons. Any HHS Secretary should be concerned about the possibility of federal health care institutions placing themselves in conflict with federal law.
“The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights (RCRR), formerly known as the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, has nonetheless launched a personal attack on Secretary Leavitt for doing his job. RCRR’s March 18 news release accuses the Secretary of displaying a ‘narrow view of conscience,’ ‘disregard’ for women,’ and a ‘dogmatic indifference to the patient.’
“But it is RCRR that has a narrow view of conscience – so narrow as to recognize a genuine conscience claim only among those who happen to agree with RCRR about abortion. In fact, women and men, physicians and non-physicians, have a fundamental right not to be forced to participate in actions they believe are gravely wrong, especially actions involving the taking of an innocent human life. Moreover, most OB/GYNs in training today are themselves women, and these women have rights, too.
“The abortion industry -- and its allies in medical groups -- have often complained that so few doctors are willing to perform abortions, but that is no excuse for coercing pro-life physicians to do their dirty work. The movement that used to call itself “pro-choice” is becoming a parody of itself.”
The attack was prompted by a March 14 letter from Secretary Leavitt to the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), expressing concern about a new ethics opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calling on conscientiously opposed physicians to perform or refer for abortions. Ms. McQuade’s statement follows.
“Secretary Leavitt should be commended for defending federal laws protecting the conscience rights of physicians. The new ACOG ethics opinion calling on pro-life OB/GYNs to perform or refer for abortions is in direct conflict with the policy reflected in federal law since 1973. Indeed, just yesterday, a federal judge in California dismissed a challenge to a federal law protecting physicians in government programs from being forced to do abortion referrals.
“If the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology relies on the ACOG opinion when deciding whether to grant board certifications, hospitals could find themselves illegally discriminating against perfectly qualified physicians who have been denied certification for ideological reasons. Any HHS Secretary should be concerned about the possibility of federal health care institutions placing themselves in conflict with federal law.
“The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights (RCRR), formerly known as the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, has nonetheless launched a personal attack on Secretary Leavitt for doing his job. RCRR’s March 18 news release accuses the Secretary of displaying a ‘narrow view of conscience,’ ‘disregard’ for women,’ and a ‘dogmatic indifference to the patient.’
“But it is RCRR that has a narrow view of conscience – so narrow as to recognize a genuine conscience claim only among those who happen to agree with RCRR about abortion. In fact, women and men, physicians and non-physicians, have a fundamental right not to be forced to participate in actions they believe are gravely wrong, especially actions involving the taking of an innocent human life. Moreover, most OB/GYNs in training today are themselves women, and these women have rights, too.
“The abortion industry -- and its allies in medical groups -- have often complained that so few doctors are willing to perform abortions, but that is no excuse for coercing pro-life physicians to do their dirty work. The movement that used to call itself “pro-choice” is becoming a parody of itself.”
White House Report on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
02/27/2008 01:11 PM
The White House Office on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has just released a seven-year progress report. Here is the page on activities in North Dakota:
(click on the image)
Action Alert: Prison Chaplains
03/08/2007 07:27 PM
The Senate Appropriations Committee is working on House Bill 1015, which funds the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Governor sought funding for two full-time chaplains for the system, but the House cut the funding from the bill ($64,000.)
Please contact the committee members and ask them to restore the requested chaplaincy funding. Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
"E-Mail Helper" will automatically prepare a sample e-mail message for you to send. Try revising it with your own words. Be sure to include your name! Thank you. More information.
Please contact the committee members and ask them to restore the requested chaplaincy funding. Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
"E-Mail Helper" will automatically prepare a sample e-mail message for you to send. Try revising it with your own words. Be sure to include your name! Thank you. More information.I was in prison and you visited me . . .
03/02/2007 02:40 PM
The Senate Appropriations Committee will begin work next week on House Bill 1015, which funds the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The DOCR sought funding for two full-time chaplains, but the House cut the funding from the bill.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference hopes that the Senate will restore the funding ($64,000.) Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference hopes that the Senate will restore the funding ($64,000.) Constitutionally and morally, inmates do not lose their religious liberties after they enter prison. Chaplains ensure that inmates are able, to the extent possible, to exercise their religious liberties and are, therefore, an essential part of corrections system.
U.S. Attorney General Launches Religious Freedom Initiative
02/21/2007 02:40 PM
United States Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales has announced a new Department of Justice initiative to protect religious liberty: The First Freedom Project.
The project's web site contains useful information about our religious liberties.
The project's web site contains useful information about our religious liberties.