Of Conscience, Contraception, and Contradiction
By Ken Burrows, guest writer
As anyone who watches a few episodes of Law & Order or The Good Wife knows, what the prosecution raises on direct examination at trial is open to cross-examination by the defense. I thought about this recently with regard to the issue of religious institutions being mandated to provide contraceptive insurance coverage to their employees, something the institutions found to be in violation of their conscience. They insisted they be given an exemption from such a mandate on those conscience grounds. As is said in court, having raised the issue, they make it fair game for cross-examination.
Before I do that cross, I will point out I'm not entirely at odds with what the religious institutions demand. While I favor people having wide access to contraception and
even wider freedom from religious dictates, and while I'm generally not comfortable trafficking in absolutes, the one principle that draws me close to absolutism is the inviolability of conscience. On that principle there is merit in the arguments the religious institutions make on this issue. Their conscience should not be so readily subordinated to public policy.
As a side note, I also think we confront a unique situation in that the vital arena of health care is, historically and presently, disproportionately saturated with religious aegis. As a result, when conscience curtails service provision, customers (i.e., patients and other users of health services) frequently do not have the option of simply "going to the competition" that will offer the services and products they need; often there is no competition available on any practical basis.
I do not see marketplace limitations as justification to coerce anyone to violate his or her conscience, but I would ask religious institutions and believers to at least acknowledge it presents a bona fide conundrum, a significant one that touches on real human needs, and it ought to at least open a conversation on creative and flexible accommodations that might preserve integrity of conscience while also serving fellow human beings equitably.
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"The Loving Story" Is What Love Is All About
by Rosemary Harris Lytle, 2012 Divine Award recipient
As we embark on the celebration of Black History Month, America is reminded of the stellar contributions that Blacks have made to American life, contributions made despite the greatest of odds, contributions that affect our everyday existence. Were it not for the energy and ingenuity of Black inventors, we might find ourselves in a world without traffic lights, without light bulb filaments, without even peanut butter - and an astounding number of other things we take for granted but could hardly live without.
 The 29 days in which we will observe Black History Month this year hardly seems time enough to explore it all, particularly when - as critics of the yearly observance point out - too many are prone to ignore the celebrations all together or to forget about these contributions the moment the calendar flips to March.
Still, despite the general malaise surrounding the month, there's no better time than February to talk about the history of civil rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, the impact of one of its most important cases, and how this history impacts the continuing struggles we face today. I'd like to take this Black History Month to commemorate the history of ending anti-miscegenation laws in this country, to lift up a remarkable couple, Mildred and Richard Loving, to reflect on history and to talk about how we move forward to ensure that we all have the freedom to love.
Read the entire blog on the ACLU's web site
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Get Involved
County Board Vacancy
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking a community-minded citizen volunteer to serve on the Board of Health. This position represents the non-profit or private or public education sector. Applications for the open position are due by February 17, 2012. The Board of Health is responsible for establishing policy and budget oversight for the El Paso County Public Health Department. The Board typically meets bi-monthly on the third Monday of each month at 2 p.m.; additional meetings are scheduled as necessary.
Applicants should possess three to five years of non-profit and/or educational senior level experience. Experience in grant development and management is also desirable. The individual appointed will serve a five-year term beginning April 1, 2012.
The volunteer application is located at www.elpasoco.com and can be accessed by clicking on the "Volunteer Boards" link. Applicants are asked to reference the board and position they want to represent and include a mailing address and daytime phone number.
City Committee Vacancy
The City of Colorado Springs City Council is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy for an at-large position on the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (PSSTOC).
The PSSTOC monitors the expenditure of the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) funds and ensures that the items approved by voters at the November 6, 2001 election are accomplished with PSST funds. Additionally, the PSSTOC reviews the annual PSST and General Fund Preliminary Budget as submitted to City Council to ensure that the baseline funding for General Fund public safety expenditures is maintained. Meetings typically take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. and there are other occasional meetings as necessary.
Send letters of interest and resumes before Friday, February 24 to mdevine@springsgov.com or mail to City Council; Attention Marti Devine Sletta; P.O. Box 1575; Colorado Springs, CO 80901.
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An Appropriately "Divine" Gesture
by Paul Campbell
I braved a mild snowstorm to attend the "Divine Award" Presentation to Rosemary Lytle Harris at Stargazers Theatre. When I came out after the event, my car was wet and slush covered from the snow. I started the car and got out to brush away the snow from the windshield and noticed a small piece of paper stuck under the windshield wiper. Written on the paper was this note:
"To whom it may concern: I scraped the front bumper of your car. I'm sorry!"
(signed)
"Not so Divine"
Below this brief note was Jim White's e-mail address and phone number. I was so impressed that I immediately thanked him by e-mail for his integrity and then decided to "shop" a couple of body shops to get the repair done as inexpensively as possible. I e-mailed the estimate to Jim and in the next day's mail I received a check for the damages. I later learned the damage to his car was much more extensive than mine.
I just learned that Jim is a previous Divine Award recipient. Most people today would have driven away from a minor incident like that without leaving a note. Jim's actions are further evidence that he was a worthy recipient of the "Divine Award". I look forward to meeting him in person.
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Articles of Interest
Colorado Civil Union Bill Advances Toward Showdown
February 16, 2012
The Gazette
The GOP's War On Women
February 16, 2012
Colorado Springs Independent
City Mulls Changes to Human Relations Commission
February 13, 2012
The Gazette
How We Can Protect Coloradans' Right to Vote
February 7, 2012
Huffington Post
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Recent CP Blog Posts
Join the Conversation
Will you be a fair elections hero?
Divine Award Celebration recap
Citizens Project at ACLU's Winter Forum
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Upcoming Events
Making Democracy Work Award
Presented by the League of Women Voters, the award honors a woman, age 40 or older, who is making the civic life of our community strong, vibrant and fair.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
5-7pm
Colorado College: Bemis Hall
An Evening With Social Progressives
The Freethinkers of Colorado Springs, Peak Dems and The Liberal Store sponsor an evening of musical entertainment with Roy Zimmerman!
Tuesday, February 22, 2012
7pm
Stargazers Theatre
More info and tickets
LGBT Lobby Day
Learn about important LGBT legislation, get trained on how to discuss the issues with your elected officials, and head to the Capitol with One Colorado and statewide allies!
February 27, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church
1660 Sherman Street in Denver
Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute
Citizens Project is proud to present this one-day seminar on how the First Amendment to the US Constitution protects religious freedom in public schools. For teachers, students, parents, administrators, staff, school board members, and open to the public.
Saturday March 10, 2012
9am-5pm
Colorado College, Slocum Commons
In-service credit for teachers and graduate credit is available. Lunch, textbook and supplemental materials are provided to all participants.
Learn more
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