Affirming Liberty

It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New
Hat tip to Valley Family Forum

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

We have just inaugurated a new president, and Congress is back in session. So how will that affect our lives and our liberties? Here are some challenges we are likely to face in the days ahead. Congress is likely to:

Pass a Freedom of Choice Act that would reverse nearly every law that states have passed to limit abortion on demand – including partial-birth abortions. New evidence on fetal pain makes this a very inhumane thing to do.

Overturn the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and replace it with laws that would grant same-sex “unions” the same benefits that are now accorded only to married couples. Think of the campground in New Jersey that lost its tax-exempt status for not allowing a same-sex ceremony. Churches could be pressured to violate their conscience or lose their non-profit status. Don't think of this as a civil rights issue so much as a vehicle for imposing a certain set of values on society.

Enact an Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that could force all employers – including religious and non-profit groups – to accept openly homosexual behavior even when it violates their conscience or could put their clients, including children, in danger. Think of the danger you would face if you operated a preschool or a day care center.

Overturn Conscience Protection for healthcare workers, Physicians and Pharmacists. Our country has a great tradition of respecting conscience. When the military draft was in effect there were clear provisions for those who's conscience would not allow them to take up arms. Health Care Professionals deserve to be protected from pressure to violate their beliefs.

Enact laws like the Matthew Shepard Act that would empower government officials to punish anyone who – in their view – expresses "hate speech" or commits "hate crimes." This could include pastors who present a biblical view of homosexual behavior. Matthew Shepard, it turns out, was killed for money. All murder is a hateful crime. We don't need to apply affirmative action to something that is so vile by its very nature.

Enact the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" which could, for all practical purposes, eliminate Christian and conservative free speech on the nation's airwaves. Now is the Time to Speak Out before our First Amendment Rights are forever amended.

If Congress does attempt to pass these harmful bills, what can we do to stop them? We need to let our elected representatives know our thoughts on these important issues!