In a direct attack on 40 Days for Life and the rights of local pro-life sidewalk counselors, the Chicago city council on Wednesday passed a new ordinance intended to cripple 40 Days for Life and silence pro-life free speech within a 50-foot “bubble zone” around abortion facilities.
The new city ordinance will not only block sidewalk counseling and pro-life signs within 50 feet of all entrances to an abortion facility, it would also prevent any pro-lifer from being within eight feet of an abortion customer without getting that person’s permission. Anyone found in violation could be fined up to $500.
The law is such a clear violation of First Amendment constitutional rights that even the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) — no friend of the pro-life movement — sided with local pro-life interests in opposing aspects of the ordinance.
According to observers at the council meetings, a Planned Parenthood representative testified that pro-life vigils make it difficult for women to reach their “services,” while a representative from a local late-term abortion facility (that has seen business detrimentally affected by 40 Days for Life) directly mentioned the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil as reason to pass the ordinance.
While this is a setback for the Chicago 40 Days for Life, I want to emphasize that this is NOT merely a Chicago issue. Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry are working aggressively to implement bubble zone laws like this across the country.
That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news:
** WE CAN STILL DEFEAT THIS BUBBLE ZONE **
Before this bad law goes into effect, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has to approve it. We have a narrow window of time to convince the mayor to VETO the bubble zone ordinance.
PLEASE call Mayor Daley’s office immediately at 312-744-3300 to say: “Mayor Daley, please don’t restrict freedom of speech in Chicago. VETO the bubble zone ordinance!”
So many calls have already been flooding into the mayor’s office that they’ve set up an automated system for the public to speak out on the bubble zone. If you get the automated system, here are the steps to follow:
1.) CALL Mayor Daley’s office at 312-744-3300
2.) PRESS 1 to submit your opinion on the bubble zone ordinance
3.) Then PRESS 2 to vote NO on the bubble zone
To send the mayor a fax instead: 312-744-8045
If we don’t push back hard against this clearly unconstitutional law, Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion industry will feel empowered to trample on the rights of pro-life free speech all across the country.
Please act now — while there’s still time!
Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, co-host of the nationally syndicated “Point of View” radio talk show…
—————————————————–
DAY 16 INTENTION
—————————————————–
Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life for their child, the church will come alongside them physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help bear their burdens.
—————————————————–
SCRIPTURE
—————————————————–
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
– Galatians 6:1-2
—————————————————–
REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
—————————————————–
Restoring those who are broken from sexual sin and who desire to live life differently — a life focused on Christ — is a burden the church must share. What an awesome opportunity for a spiritually mature woman to come alongside a single mom as a mentor and friend.
A regular time together praying and studying God’s Word will help her mature in her walk with the Lord. Allowing her opportunity to observe life as you live it — meal preparation, family time, and providing wholesome conversation and wise counsel on a frequent basis — can provide teaching moments that will benefit her for a lifetime. Introducing her to a small group or class in the church where she and her baby are welcomed and plugged in will be vital to her restoration.
These are just a few examples of things the body of Christ can do. Staying connected with young couples or single moms who have chosen life should continue beyond the celebration of the child’s birth if we truly desire to fulfill the law of Christ in bearing one another’s burdens.
You will find it is not a burden after all, but a tremendous blessing as your family line extends to include these precious souls as part of your own.
—————————————————–
PRAYER
—————————————————–
Dear Lord, as our Shepherd You so tenderly care for us — pulling us from the miry pit, guiding and directing us safely along the path of life, protecting us from the dangers that are ahead and taking us to pastures that are green.
Lord, use us as Your vessels to shepherd these young men and women who have honored you by choosing life for their child.
Give us wisdom and discernment along with Your love and compassion so that we are never a stumbling block but rather a guide that always takes them to You, the true Shepherd. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
—————————————————–
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–
To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day16print.pdf
—————————————————–
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Remember, the unconstitutional bubble zone is not YET the law in Chicago. Mayor Daley has to sign it first. Call his office right now at 312-744-3300 and tell him to protect free speech in Chicago and veto the bubble zone!
No comments:
Post a Comment