Greetings and Happy 4th of July!
For we must all "practice the truth in love, and so grow up in all things in Him who is head, Christ. For from Him the whole body, being closely joined and knit together through every joint of the system, according to the functioning in due measure of each single part, derives its increase to the building up of itself in love".
The fourteen days from June 21-the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More-to July 4, - Independence Day, are dedicated to this "fortnight for freedom," a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power-St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action will emphasize both our Christian and American Heritages of Liberty Greetings. Please see
Bishop Murphy's Homily from Fortnight for Freedom Solemn Vespers June 22 and on Wednesday, 7/4 Independence Day at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, Bishop-elect Brennan will be the Celebrant at the 12:10 pm Mass.
2011-2012 Legislative Agenda Life Issues Overview
The "Reproductive Health Act" (S.2844/A.6112) did not come to the floor for a vote in either house.
The bill to allow "behind-the-counter" access to emergency contraception for minors of any age (A.85/S.892) did not receive a floor vote in either house.
A new bill was introduced in the Assembly (A.10788) to expand the so-called "clinic access law," which infringes on the rights of those who witness outside abortion clinics. Further, it creates a new civil cause of action for persons who feel they were "interfered with" on the way into or out of the clinic. Currently, the bill has not progressed.
Both houses of the legislature passed a bill to encourage organ donations, A.10039-B/S.7103-A, known as "Lauren's Law. This bill, likely to become law with the Governor's signature, says that a person must check either "yes" or "skip this question," when answering the question, but they cannot be denied a license for failing to check a box.
Also passed by both houses were bills to protect minors - one to require parental consent for body piercing on children under 18 (S.7446/A.10095) and another to ban tanning salons for those under 17 and still require parental permission for those under 18 (A.1074-B/S.2917-A). It is expected the Governor will sign these into law. Lastly, the assisted suicide bill (A.9360) was officially withdrawn in May, so it no longer exists. For questions, please contact us at drvc.org/respectlife