America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and State (see examples). Nor did the founders of the States. ALL 50 states acknowledge God in their State Constitutions.

View the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton on January 14, 1969

On March 11, 2010, the Courts affirmed "One Nation Under God" in our Pledge of Allegiance - AND - "In God We Trust" on our currency (see more)

See other articles

New Jersey Right To Life   Educational and Civic Activities

Listen to the Ending Abortion Webcast Event on July 10, 2010 - FREE. This virtual conference featured 30+ leading pro-life experts grouped into 10 "power panels" addressing the biggest challenges facing the pro-life movement -- and the solutions that can help bring an end to abortion in your community. (Click Here)

Another way to look at abortion. See the Super Bowl Ad that NBC rejected.

Crack Down on Peaceful Protests at Abortion Clinics

As reported by NPR on September 1, 2011, the Obama Administration has decided to crack down on those protesting, conducting sidewalk counseling, or even praying for the mothers and their babies at Abortion Clinics. They are enforcing a 1994 law, the Free Access to Clinics Act (FACE), championed by then Sen. Ted Kennedy which imposes stricter limitations on peaceful protests of abortion clinics than any other peaceful protest. Under FACE, the Justice Department's civil rights division has filed eight civil cases since the start of the Obama administration. This contrasts dramatically with President Bush’s Administration where only one case was filed in eight years. (see related article)

Health Care Law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - PPACA)

The National Health Care Law takes effect in various stages, each revealing provisions of the law which were not apparent during its passage. Among these is the provision that under the law, the the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) autonomously determines the applications of the law. Under the new HHS guidelines, most health insurance plans in the United States will have to provide full access to birth control, as well as abortion-inducing drugs such as “Ella” and “the morning after pill” by August 1, 2012. No co-pay can be required.
There is religious exemption. However, it is extremely narrow applying only to to churches and other houses of worship. Other religious organizations (i.e. colleges) will be forced to choose between ending their insurance programs or violate their conscience by including birth control and abortion-inducing drugs in their insurance programs (see their article from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for more information). There, you can also submit your comments to HHS about this proposed religious exemption.
(see also how the Health Care Law affects Religious Freedom)

Embryonic Stem Cell Research   

Learn about Stem Cell research from Columbia Magazine's article of January 2011

On December 12, 2009, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the first 13 "batches" of Embryonic Stem Cells for research using taxpayer dollars (see article). Government funds were made available in March 2009 by President Obama who lifted the eight-year-old ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research  (see article). However, on August 23, 2010, a U.S. district court issued a preliminary injunction stopping federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. In a slap to the Obama administration's new guidelines, the Court ruled in favor of a suit that said human embryonic stem cell research involved the destruction of human embryos. (see article)
(see more in Embryonic Stem Cell Research)

Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)   
The Freedom of Choice Act is pending legislation in Congress that "declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child; terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or terminate a pregnancy after viability when necessary to protect her life or her health."

What can I do? Sign the FOCA Petition or write your Representative
(see more in Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA))

Government Funding of Abortions   

On October 13, 2011, the House of Representatives passed the Protect Life Act (HR-358) which amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services by a vote of 251-172.. The Bill was sent to the Senate for their approval on October 17 where it is being reviewed by the Committee on Finance.

On June 30, 2011, NJ Governor Christie used the line item veto to reduce the State Budget from $30.6 to $29.7 billion. The $900 million reduction included the (in)famous $7.5 million for “family planning services” which Sen. Loretta Weinberg has been trying to provide for Planned Parenthood, the women’s health/abortion organization (see article). This followed the May 23, 2011 NJ Senate approved (23-13) of the $7.5 million appropriations Bill (S2899) for “women's health and family planning services" introduced by Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) (see article). The claim is that the money will be used for women’s health services other than abortion but, in reality, any funding to Planned Parenthood frees up resources for them to continue to provide abortions.  It is expected that the companion Bill (A4092) will be scheduled for a vote in the Assembly before the end of June.
On July 22, 2010, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed legislation (S2139 A3019) that would have provided $7.5 million in grants for 58 clinics providing birth control and other health counseling. A second attempt to override the veto failed on September 20, 2010.
On November 22, 2010, the State Assembly approved a Bill (A3274) to transfer $5 million from "unspent" corrections funds to the "family planning clinics" to restore most of the $7.5 million blocked by the Governor's veto (see article). The matching Senate Bill (S2293) has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for their approval and still awaits approval as of December 2010. While the Bill strictly prohibits funding of abortion procedures, funding of the Planned Parenthood organization will free up their own resources to perform abortions. 
On December 20, 2010, Assembly Appropriations Bill (A3273 S2393) (similar numbers as above) was passed which expands the availability of family planning services under the Medicaid program in State Fiscal Year 2010-2011 (see article). This Bill expends $1.1 million in order to qualify for $15.1 million from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for "family planning". While this Bill seems fiscally prudent and there are many beneficial services available to pregnant women, the fact remains that as long as Planned Parenthood is a recipient of any funds their own resources are freed up for their Abortion Program. 

On March 24, 2010, President Obama signed an Executive Order which is said to prevent Federal funding of abortions under the Health Care Act (see article). 
(see more in Government Funding of Abortions)

Protecting the Unborn

On May 9, 2011, the NJ Assembly passed A1406 “Permitting adoptees and certain others access to adoptee's original birth certificate.” The bill that would strip birth mothers of their privacy – a right that has been guaranteed to them for decades. The Senate passed an identical Bill S799 last year. The Bill is now before the Governor for his action. 
Prior to this law, birth mothers placed their children for adoption relying on a legal assurance of privacy. These rights will be retroactively removed and new parents offering their child for adoption will be faced with possibility of exposure in a very difficult decision process. The state of NJ should be doing everything possible to encourage adoption instead of placing roadblocks in the way of women choosing adoption. These bills will discourage adoption and make them fewer.
In today’s age, it is recognized that there is a critical need for access to medical history and Catholic Charity agencies in New Jersey DO provide such non-identifying information to adoptees whenever it is requested. An alternate Bill A3672/S2586, “providing access to adoptee's birth certificate under certain circumstances” introduced by Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Bergen) proposes a fair and balanced approach to the sensitive issue of adoptions records. It provides a confidential intermediary system that would assist adoptees to obtain information while preserving privacy for those birth parents who want and need it.

On March 22, 2011, South Dakota established a law that requires women seeking abortions to first attend a consultation at “pregnancy help centers,” to learn what assistance is available “to help the mother keep and care for her child.”  It is the first state to have such a law which sets the nation’s longest waiting period — three days — after an initial visit with an abortion provider before the procedure can be done (see more in Protecting the Unborn)

In August 2010, the people of Alaska voted to require Parental Permission before a minor can have an abortion. The ballot measure was approved by 56% of the voters overcoming a $800,000 campaign by Planned Parenthood to defeat the measure. The Knights of Columbus raised more than $80,000 (1/10th of the amount) to air radio and television ads playing a "crucial role" in the measure's passage.
(see more in Protecting the Unborn)

"Choose Life" License Plates in New Jersey - Now Available  
After 7 years of requests, petitions, litigation, and (finally) good sense, New Jersey MVC introduced the "Choose Life" license plate in December 2010. Through the efforts of the Children First Foundation and the NJ Family Policy Council (NJFPC), MVC officials decided to allow the plates because they wanted to avoid further legal expenses (see article). 
Opponents of the plate, including the press (see article) claim there is little demand for the plate. Considering that there has been little publicity about the introduction and the "Choose Life" plates were not even listed on the list of Specialty Plates on the NJ MVC web site as of December 21, it is no wonder that "demand" is low. 
Ordering the "Choose Life" plates through the NJ MVC is quite cumbersome (see their Order Personalized Plates link). The best way to obtain the new "Choose Life" plates is through the Children First Foundation by using their NJ link, http://njchoose-life.org/RequestNewJerseyPlate.asp, to place an order. $20 of the tax deductable $25 fee will help fund New Jersey’s non-profit pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes.
(see more in "Choose Life" License Plates in New Jersey)

"Choose Life" License Plates in New York -  
On November 8, 2011, a Federal District Court in New York State ruled that the NY Department of Motor Vehicles must issue Children First Foundation's "Choose Life" license plate. This decision caps seven years of legal battles since 2004. The State Attorney General's office is reviewing the ruling which they have 30 days to file an appeal (see article).

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See other Right To Life articles

Status of All 50 States

What can Same-Sex Marriage "laws" mean to you? Take a look at this video to see how your rights and beliefs can be affected. Family Research Council's video on Proposition 8 in California (see also www.ProtectMarriage.com)

View a 14 minute video on "One Man, One Woman - Marriage and the Common Good" on the New Jersey KofC web site

Are Catholics alone in fostering Traditional Marriage? Read the SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH STATE "Gay Marriage: Bad Science, Bad Politics" by Arthur Goldberg and Michelle Cretella

Nationwide

On February 23, 2011, President Obama determined that the Defense of Marriage Act — the 1996 law that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages — is unconstitutional, and directed the Justice Department to stop defending the law in court. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. announced the decision in a letter to members of Congress. “The president and I have concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation” should be subjected to a strict legal test intended to block unfair discrimination."  This decision can be viewed as a dereliction of the enforcement powers of the Executive Branch and pre-determining any decision that will come before the Judicial Branch of the Federal government. (see article and Traditional Marriage in the Nation)

In the 2008 Election, Arizona, California, and Florida joined 27 other States which Constitutionally ban Same-Sex Marriage . The Media ignores these 30 States and the 8 States which ban it by statute but emphasize the 6 States (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York) and the District of Columbia where Same-Sex "Marriage" has been legalized. Three of the six (Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa have been established by Court Decree, NOT by the people of the State nor their legislators. Presently, judicial "legislation" is again being attempted in California where attempts are being made to override the vote of the people banning same-sex "marriage".

New Jersey

On February 17, 2012, Gov. Chris Christie, who stands by his (Catholic) beliefs and values regardless of the “political correctness” of lawmakers who fear the pressures of special interest groups, used facts to support his veto (see article) of the same-sex “marriage” bill (S1, A1) which was hastily approved by the legislature (see roll call). 
New Jersey has a Civil Union law in place which cares for the concerns of the gay community. Since it was enacted over 5 years ago, only 13 complaints were filed with the Civil Rights Commission – 12 of which were dismissed. Regardless, litigation still proceeds through the courts.
(see more in New Jersey)

News on other States:

California continues to be a battleground state in the Judicial arena

Colorado legislators killed a civil unions bill on April 4, 2011

Connecticut legalizes same-sex "marriage" after 2008 Connecticut Supreme Court ruling

The District of Columbia legalizes same-sex "marriage"  in 2009 after City Council vote

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle vetoed same-sex "marriage" in 2010 

Iowa legalizes same-sex "marriage" after 2009 Iowa Supreme Court ruling

Maine voters rejected same-sex "marriage" legislation in 2009

Massachusetts continues judicial issues seeking additional benefits for same-sex "marriages"

Maryland legalized same-sex "marriage" on March 1, 2012 pending referendum petition due in June

New Hampshire legislature legalizes same-sex "marriage" in 2009. Repeal attempt fails in 2012.

North Carolina voters amended their state constitution to ban same-sex "marriages", partnerships, and civil unions in May 2012.

New York legislature legalizes same-sex "marriage" in 2011 after pressure from Governor Cuomo

Vermont legislature legalizes same-sex "marriage" in 2009 by overriding Governor's veto by one vote

Washington legalized same-sex "marriage" on February 13, 2012 pending referendum petition due June 6

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate

Our Religious Rights as Catholics are being put to the test by imbedded dangers in the Health Care Law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - PPACA) (see initial concerns above). In January 2012 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "extended" the rule to August 2013 when employers (including the Chruch) must provide access to health insurance that covers most forms of birth control, even those that can cause the death of an unborn child. As a result of the objections of Catholic Bishops, President Obama proposed that insurance companies, rather than the employers, foot the bill.  This verbal “assurance” and cajoling did not change the rule nor did it suggest how insurance companies might pass on the costs n or did it address how self-insured entities would be protected.

Recognizing the problem was not resolved, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee met in February to discuss the issue with religious leaders opposing contraceptive mandates (see article). An attempt to substitute one of the members with a Georgetown University law student, Sandra Fluke, was denied. Dissatisfied with the rejection, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi held a second meeting to solicit a female opinion favoring insurance coverage of contraception. Sandra Fluke spoke on behalf of that opinion citing a friend who needed such medication to treat an ovary condition. She also stated that she wanted equal treatment for women’s health issues under the Georgetown insurance. This widely covered meeting successfully diverted the real issue of Religious Freedom to one of Women’s Rights, This completely derailed the concerns over religious freedom converting the discussion to contraception instead resulting in the Catholic Church appearing as the guilty party on the issue.

Nationwide rallies were organized on March 23 which claimed an “outstanding success”, but these did not receive much media coverage. At present, the media atmosphere is hostile towards Catholics and supportive of “women’s health” – which is NOT the issue. The Administration is steadfast in implementing this mandate as part of the “Affordable Care Act” completely disregarding the religious values of Catholics and others (see Lutherans). No doubt, like the “Affordable Care Act” itself, this issue will end up in the courts where we can only pray that justice will prevail.

The conflict is best described in a homily from St John the Evangelist parish in St. John Indiana. On February 5, 2012, Father Sammie L. Maletta Jr., a lawyer and parish priest of a middle class, northern Indiana, blue collar, likely democratic parish gave an eye-opening homily. It says it best. It is very clear and direct. Hear it at http://youtu.be/ltTd81XpDnc.   
(see more in Religious Freedom Health Care Law)

On March 5, 2009, the Connecticut senate and house co-chairmen of the Judiciary Committee introduced Bill 1098 designed to strip the bishops and priests of the state of all administrative authority over their own churches, a blatantly unconstitutional intervention in the internal affairs of a church. 

The Knights of Columbus quickly joined the bishops and the Connecticut Catholic Conference in a public condemnation of the bill. Some 5,000 Catholics from all around the state came to Hartford for a protest rally at noon on March 11, when the hearing had originally been scheduled to begin. The bill's sponsors were taken by surprise, and cancelled a planned hearing. 

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson delivered a strongly worded speech, along with Archbishop Henry Mansell, Bishop (and Supreme Chaplain) William Lori, and Bishop Michael Cote (see video of the speeches). The Knights of Columbus along with the Catholic bishops and priests of Connecticut won a significant battle with opponents of the Church. But more battles probably lie ahead (read more about the rally and the controversy).

On March 22, 2010, the New Jersey State Senate voted to approve Senate Bill S-799 that permits adults who had been adopted as children, as well as the guardians or adoptive parents of a child who is currently a minor, to learn the identity of a birth parent. The Bill retroactively affects children adopted in the past thus negating the statutory assurances of privacy in effect at that time. 

The Bill will soon be considered by the Assembly as A-1406. This Bill is unnecessary since adoptees already have full access to their birth parents’ medical histories through the Court. 

This Bill penalizes birth mothers by making them provide updates on their medical history every ten years until they are 40 years old and every five years thereafter. This requirement may affect the decision to give up a child for adoption.

The New Jersey Catholic Conference asks that we contact our NJ Assembly Members to ask them to reject A-1406. The NJCC does not oppose revealing the identities of natural parents to adoptees in cases where the natural parents have consented to the release of such information. They oppose doing so without the birth parents’ actual consent (see statement).

---------- Other Attacks on Religious Rights ----------

In March 2011, a British court effectively disqualified a couple from becoming foster parents because of their Christian views on premarital and homosexual intercourse. The couple, who have fostered 15 children, were told by judges sitting in the High Court in London that gay equality laws must "take precedence" over the rights of Christians to act in line with their faith. The judges stated that Christian beliefs on sexual ethics may be "inimical" to children and  ... that children risked being "infected" by Christian moral beliefs (see article).

In June 2010, The US Supreme Court Ruled that the Christian Legal Society at a California law school can be denied funding because it required members to sign a statement identifying a "sexually immoral lifestyle" as being inconsistent with their faith. This was viewed as discriminatory towards gays (see article and interpretations by Assemblies of God News and Religious Freedom).

In June 2010, Italy and 10 Allies are fighting a Ban on Crucifixes in Italian Schools by the European Court of Human Rights who ruled in November  2009 that an Italian woman's rights to raise her children in a secular way were violated (see article).

Opportunity Scholarship Act 
The 2010-11 NJ Legislature is considering the Opportunity Scholarship Act (A2810 S1872). If enacted, the law will establish a pilot program providing tax credits to corporations that contribute to a fund for scholarships for low income students in failing school Districts. It will benefit inner city Catholic schools. It will provide educational choice for parents of children in failing school districts enabling them to select public schools, charter schools, religious schools, or private schools.
The Legislature’s Office of Legislative Services has analyzed the bill and determined that it is revenue neutral. It will not require any new funding. Corporations will receive a tax credit for money donated to provide scholarships. The scholarships will cost considerably less than it now costs the school district to educate the student. The school district reimburses the State for the lost funding and therefore the program is revenue neutral to the state. This is actually a win/win for the school district.
The Senate version of the bill (S1872) has been released by the Senate Budget Committee and is waiting a full Senate vote.
Actions needed: We need to have the Assembly version of the bill posted in the Assembly Budget Committee for hearing and a vote.

1. Contact your Assemblymen ask them to support the bill (A2810)

2. Contact Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (aswoliver@njleg.org, or call her East Orange District Office 973-395-1166) and urge her to post the bill. 

3. Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald has been particularly supportive of the bill. Ask him to have the bill posted in his Committee. (asmgreenwald@njleg.org or call his Voorhees District Office 856-435-1247).

Governor Christie’s administration has been seeking ways which could channel hundreds of thousands of dollars to parochial schools by providing tax credits to companies that provide scholarships for students in districts with failing public schools who want to go to private school. A similar bill introduced in 2008, “Urban Enterprise Zone Jobs Scholarship Act” (A2897 S1607), languished in the legislature. The new bill is further along in the process and should be supported if we wish it to pass. 
(see more in Opportunity Scholarship Act)

In June 2010, 7 Catholic Schools, including Our Lady Queen of Peace, closed their doors due to lack of funds and students. Catholic school enrollment is down by 60% since the early 1960s. Class sizes are expected to creep up in most public school districts in September. The economy has led more families to opt out of private/parochial schools in recent years. In Clifton, officials estimated that nearly 300 children transferred into the district from private, mostly parochial, schools.
Governor Christie’s administration is looking at measures which could channel hundreds of thousands of dollars to parochial schools by providing tax credits to companies that provide scholarships for students in districts with failing public schools who want to go to private school.  “People are beginning to understand that school choice is a very valid request of people in the state and legislators see it’s going to cost the public more if Catholic schools continue to close.” said Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the Newark Archdiocese. 
Beyond the varied benefits of a Catholic School education, a dollar-and-cents view provides additional financial advantages. The Catholic School per-pupil costs for Elementary ($5,436) and High school ($10,228) students are significantly lower than the Public school per-pupil costs which average $13,835 statewide. (see article)

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