Caring for Our Brothers and Sisters Throughout the World - Support S653/HR301
As per Bishop Pates' 5/20/13 letter to Senators Roy Blunt and Carl Levin,- "As
Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I commend your tireless efforts
to advance religious freedom as evidenced by your sponsorship of S. 653,
a bill to establish a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of
Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia....
"Following egregious violence against religious minorities, such as church bombings in Egypt and Nigeria, bombings of Ahmadiyyah mosques and buses carrying Shi’a pilgrims in Pakistan, the attack on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad, the assassination of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, the targeting by Hindu extremists of Christian villages in India, or riots in Burma that have killed almost 200 Muslims and left thousands homeless, we have strongly urged the Administration to press other governments to undertake concrete measures to respect and protect the human rights and religious freedom of all their citizens"
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Support HR 732/S369
As per Priests for Life, "The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) would make it illegal to take a minor across a state line to evade the requirements of a pre-abortion parental involvement law in the girl’s home state." Representative Fitzpatrick has not joined 105 of his colleagues (including Representative Chris Smith) as a co-sponsor of HR 732. Kudos to Senator Toomey for being a co-sponsor of the Senate version, S369; Senator Casey is not a co-sponsor of S369.
Conscience Protection - Support HR940/S1204
Joint letters were issued on 6/21/13 by Archbishop William Lori of the USCCB and Dr. Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention, to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and to members of the U.S. Senate, supporting H.R. 940 and S. 1204. Kudos to Representative Fitzpatrick for co-sponsoring HR 940. Senators Casey and Senator Toomey are not co-sponsors of S1204.
Euthanasia - Oppose HR1173
HR 1173 would constitute a direct assault on what the Church proclaims about the sanctity of each human life and how that applies to health care*:- "The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a standard document that, when signed by a designated healthcare professional, dictates whether to withhold or administer certain forms of medical treatment and/or care. POLST is known by different acronyms in various states (MOST, MOLST, POST, etc.)....The completed POLST form is not simply an expression of a patient’s treatment preferences; it is a set of physician's orders which must be followed....POLST is tilted toward non-treatment and can encourage premature withdrawal of treatment from patients who, but for the denial of treatment, would not die....Of special concern is a new federal bill – the 'Personalize Your Care Act' (H.R. 1173). Introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon [with Alyson Schwartz as a co-sponsor], ...it is described as a bill to 'amend the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of voluntary advance care planning consultation under Medicare and Medicaid, and for other purposes'....H.R. 1173 includes funding for promotion of POLST throughout the country" (What is a POLST, and why should you oppose it?, LifeSiteNews.com, 8/30/13).
- *Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, Charter for Health Care Workers, 1995;
Address of John Paul II to the Participants in the International Congress on "Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemnas", 3/20/04;
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Responses to Certain Questions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration, 8/1/07;
USCCB, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (5th ed), 11/17/09
"Gender Identity" - Oppose S 815 and SB300/HB300
As readily acknowledged by the Human Rights Campaign, the term "gender identity" refers to how a person views herself or himself, regardless of whether that perception corresponds with anatomy.
- “Faced with theories that consider gender identity as merely the cultural and social product of the interaction between the community and the individual, independent of personal sexual identity without any reference to the true meaning of sexuality, the Church does not tire of repeating her teaching: 'Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral and spiritual difference and complementarities are oriented towards the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life. The harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which the complementarities, needs and mutual support between the sexes are lived out' (Chapter Five of the Vatican's Compendium of Social Doctrine)
- "In assessing proposed legislation, the Bishops should keep as their uppermost concern the responsibility to defend and promote family life" (Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, 1986).
The USCCB has expressed concern that "ENDA [i.e., S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013], if enacted, could be used to punish as discrimination what the Catholic Church teaches....The bill’s treatment of 'gender identity' ...would have an adverse effect on privacy and associational rights of others" (letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions from Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone). Particularly because he identifies himself as a Catholic, it should be of serious concern that Senator Casey is a co-sponsor of S. 815.
On the state level, HB 300 and SB 300 speak of "freedom from discrimination in...public accommodation," regardless of "'gender identity or expression.'" As explained by Brandon McGinley of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, "HB/SB 300 is being sold as a 'sexual orientation and gender identity' employment nondiscrimination bill, but in states and cities with similar ordinances the reach of the law always stretches to bathrooms, locker rooms, dorm rooms and any other public facility traditionally segregated by gender" (Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/21/13). If polled, most people would view the restriction of ladies' rooms to anatomical females (and vice versa) as common sense and NOT "unjust discrimination." The following legislators from Bucks County were original co-sponsors of HB300/SB300:
- Representative Tina Davis (Cardinal Dougherty/LaSalle University alumnus)
- Representative John Galloway (Bishop Egan alumnus) - He has now withdrawn sponsorship.
- Senator Chuck McIlhinney
- Representative Marguerite Quinn (Bishop Conwell/St Joseph's University alumnus)
- Representative Steve Santarsiero (Holy Family alumnus)
- Representative Scott Petri (Villanova alumnus)
Immigration Reform - Support S744
- "The U.S.
Catholic bishops, along with millions of fellow American Catholics, seek
reasonable legislation that will offer undocumented persons a path to
citizenship and promote family unity. Specifically, the bishops hope for
the following elements in any immigration reform bill:
First, a path to citizenship for undocumented workers that’s fair, accessible and achievable in a reasonable timeframe. Second, reform of the family-based immigration system to reunite husbands, wives and children in a more rapid manner. Third, a program that would allow low-skilled migrant workers to enter the United States legally as needed labor. Fourth, due process protections for immigrants. And fifth, policies which at least begin to address the root causes of migration, such as economic inequities and persecution....
"The Senate passed a major immigration reform bill (S. 744) on June 27, by a vote of 68-32....
"Immigration is an issue where committed Catholics can legitimately disagree. But real reform of our immigration laws is long overdue" (Archbishop Chaput, 8/15/13).
Marriage - Support HB 1349 and OPPOSE SB 719; Support H.J. Res 51
As reported by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini ruled on September 12th that the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Pennsylvania must stop. We have a long road ahead in protecting marriage on state and federal levels. On the state level, we need to urge support for HB 1349 and oppose SB 719. On the federal level, we need to urge support for H.J. RES. 51.Paul Clymer was the sole Bucks County representative to join Representative Daryl Metcalfe in introducing HB 1349,
"Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for marriage.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:
Section 1. The following amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania is proposed in accordance with Article XI: That Article I be amended by adding a section to read:
§ 29. Marriage.
Marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."As per as 7/1/13 news item on the web site of Bucks County Representative Steve Santarsiero:
- "State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, today announced he will co-sponsor the Marriage Equality Bill, introduced by Reps. Brian Sims, D-Phila., and Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery/Phila.
"The bill, which mirrors S.B. 719, introduced by Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, would eliminate the prohibition of same-sex marriages in Pennsylvania."
On a federal level, Congressman Time Huelskamp has introduced H.J. RES. 51, supporting a an amendment to the U.S. Constitution limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Representative Fitzpatrick is not a co-sponsor. The National Organization for Marriage has a web site to facilitate requests for support from Fitzpatrick and others: http://www.capwiz.com/nationformarriage/issues/alert/?alertid=62750806&REF=EB130906NANT&link=button1
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Support HR 7/S 946
As per Priests for Life, "The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would prohibit the federal funding
of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother." HR 7 was introduced by Representative Chris Smith; Representative Fitzpatrick is not one of the 131 co-sponsors. Neither Senator Casey nor Senator Toomey are co-sponsors of S 946 (Note: Casey introduced his own S 142, which appears to this blogger to be a weakened version and has no co-sponsors.).
Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Support HR 1797 and S 886
"Priests for Life believes this is the most significant legislative effort to date in bringing protection to unborn children. We have therefore already alerted every parish in America to inform and mobilize its congregation in support of this bill. We are also calling upon pro-life organizations large and small to give it their full support" (Fr. Frank Pavone, 5/21/13). Representative Mike Fitzpatrick is not one of the 184 co-sponsors (including Representative Chris Smith). Kudos to Senator Toomey for co-sponsoring S 886. Senator Casey is not a co-sponsor of S 886.The Right to Informed Consent - Oppose SB 872
Dr. Rick Fitzgibbons of Montgomery County is a psychiatrist, member of the Pediatric Psychosocial Development Committee of the American College of Pediatricians, and director of the Institute for Marital Healing. Dr. Fitzgibbons maintains that "Youth have the right to be provided informed consent about the serious medical and psychiatric illnesses, and risks, of the homosexual lifestyle. Pediatricians, mental health professionals, physicians, nurses and school counselors have a clear legal responsibility to do so, and parents, family members, educators, and clergy a grave moral responsibility" (Same-Sex Attractions in Youth and Their Right to Informed Consent, 5/21/12).
By contrast, SB 872, "Prohibiting mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual under 18 years of age," would disregard the welfare of minors, assault parental rights, and assault the right to informed consent.
The Sanctity of Human Life Act - Support HR 23
As per Priests for Life, "The Sanctity of Human Life Act would declare that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution vests in each human being at 'fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, irrespective of sex, health, function or disability, defect, stage of biological development, or condition of dependency.' Further, the measure states that 'the Congress affirms that the Congress, each State, the District of Columbia, and all United States territories have the authority to protect the lives of all human beings residing in its
respective jurisdictions.'" Representative Fitzpatrick is not one of the 39 co-sponsors of HR 23.
SNAP and the Budget
As per the USCCB, "urge your Representative and Senators to support SNAP (food stamps)...and support a budget that helps people struggling in this economy." The USCCB has a web page, to facilitate contact with elected officials: http://www.capwiz.com/catholicbishops/issues/alert/?alertid=62920096&type=CO.
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act - Support HR 61 and HR 217 and S135
As per Priests for Life, "HR 61 would require any entity receiving taxpayer funds through the federal Title X family planning program to certify in writing that it will not perform abortions and will not provide funds to any entity that performs abortions. The bill would allow funding to go to organizations that perform abortions only in cases to save the mother’s life or where a pregnancy results from rape or incest. The measure would deny Planned Parenthood and any other abortion providers a major source of their federal funding." Kudos to Representative Fitzpatrick for being one of the 91 co-sponsors of HR 61.
As per Priests for Life, "HR 217, like HR 61, would require any entity receiving federal funds from the Title X family planning program to certify that it will not perform abortions and will not provide any money to another entity that performs abortions. The bill would effectively bar Planned Parenthood and other abortion
providers from participating in the Title X program." Representative Fitzpatrick is not one of the 176 co-sponsors of HR 217.
Neither Senator Casey nor Senator Toomey is a co-sponsor of the Senate version, S135.
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