Dear Concerned Women for America of Washington Member,
“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, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to Institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” Romans 13:1, 3
Putting these two quotes together makes me realize how vital it is that God’s people be involved in every aspect of the culture, including public policy that emanates from the government, whether local, state or federal. Please pray for our communities, states and the nation, then learn how to effectively influence the culture around you.
CWA is coming to Spokane!
Frontier West Family Restaurant and Bakery*
Saturday, February 27, 1:00 3:00 p.m.
If you live in the Spokane area, please come join us for prayer, fellowship, coffee and dessert along with updates on CWA’s activities and future plans. Come and stay or drop in during those two hours and feel free to bring a concerned friend who might like to know about CWA, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization, dedicated to reversing the moral decline in our nation and state through prayer, education and action on issues vital to those with Biblical values.
In order to plan this event, we would appreciate an RSVP, but if you aren’t able to commit to attend at this time, come anyway if you find you can!
*2121 N. Division St
Spokane, WA 99207
509-328-4090
CWA is co-sponsoring just one more Citizen Activist Workshop in Olympia on March 2, 8:30 a.m. at 1211 State Avenue Northeast, 98506-4234. These are educational workshops to prepare you to interact with state legislators and become informed about state legislation. In order to preserve government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we the people absolutely and actively must be involved. Citizens who follow Biblical principles must provide the balance to government and culture, being the salt that adds the morality that comes from God. We have to be the bearers of righteousness or we end up with an amoral form of government that does not respect the people it governs nor their values. According to our Declaration of Independence, government derives its power from the consent of the governed, so we had better know what our government is doing and how to influence it! Come learn with us and bring a concerned friend or two!
LEGISLATION
I. FAMILY
SHB 2793 re: clarifying and expanding the rights and obligations of state registered domestic partners and other couples related to parentage
CWA of Washington OPPOSES this bill!
This bill seeks to modify parenting laws through gender neutralization of all terms relating to “father”, “mother”, “man”, “male”, “woman”, “female” etc. by substituting “parent”, “person” and other gender-neutral words, thus removing any reference to male or female and their respective roles. It specifies that all provisions that apply to parents or parenting laws in a marriage also apply to those of domestic partnerships. It also seeks to amend surrogate parenting laws by applying all the standards for married couples to those of domestic partnerships, confirming the legal status of children born as a result of gestational surrogacy contracts. Could this mean that “Mother” and “Father” will be changed to “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” on a child’s birth certificate? A very basic understanding of biology explains why this bill is absurd and untruthful, denying the reality of the need for a male-female union at some point to create new life. This bill further erodes the unique status of male-female marriage and definition of family which began with the passage last year of SB 5688.
SHB 2793 passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 59-39. It has moved to the Senate and appears to be in the Rules Committee for the final vote, then will go to the Senate floor. PLEASE call your state senator and tell him/her to VOTE NO ON SHB 2793! You can find your senator’s office number on the state legislature’s website or leave a message on the Hotline (1-800-562-6000).
SB 6476 re: sex crimes involving minors
CWA of Washington SUPP0RTS this bill!
Sex crimes against underage minors are increasing, particularly with regard to sexual trafficking. This bill seeks to give assistance and support to the at-risk minor and to increase penalties for adults convicted of sexual crimes against minors.
SB 6476 has a substitute bill (SSB 6476) and has passed the Senate with a 45-0 vote. It is in the House with the Committee on Human Service passing it. There is a scheduled public hearing at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 25. If possible, go to this hearing and sign up as supporting this bill. Be sure to check the legislative website for final time and location as meetings are often changed.
Please call your state representatives and ask them to VOTE YES on SB 6476. Help protect children from predatory adults!
SHB 2424 re: protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
CWA of Washington SUPPORTS this bill and asks you to call your three representatives today or tomorrow to ask them to VOTE YES on SHB 2424.
This bill is consistent with CWA’s goal to return to the Biblical values that have protected families and children. The bill seeks to define child pornography and possession to include internet involvement and to protect individuals assisting in investigation by law enforcement of such crimes.
SHB 2424 PASSED the House of Representatives 98-0 on February 16. It is now in the Senate where it is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Judiciary at 1:30 p.m. on February 24 (subject to change).
Contact your state senator today and tell him/her to vote for SHB 2424 in order to protect our children!
II. SANCTITY OF LIFE
SB 6452/HB 2837 re: limited service pregnancy centers
CWA of Washington OPPOSES these companion bills.
These two bills would have imposed unnecessary regulations on pro-life clinics, essentially shutting them down. Thankfully, it is unlikely that these bills will be considered for the remainder of the session due to legislative deadlines. The last day to vote on these bills in committee was February 5 and so these bills are considered dead for this session. If this situation changes, I will notify you via another action alert.
For more details on any of these bills and for contact information for your own district legislators, go to the Washington State Legislature website: http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature
The toll-free legislative hotline is 1-800-562-6000.
You may leave comments on up to four bills. Either leave a simple “Support” or “Oppose” or use talking points from above or your own thoughts. The hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m., closed 12:00 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Be sure to visit CWA’s national website for current news: www.cwfa.org and the state website for local information: http://wa.cwfa.org
Please consider renewing your membership with CWA using the attached form.
Remember, our government works well only with the consent of the well-informed and praying governed! THANK YOU for standing in the gap for the culture with Concerned Women for America!
In His Service,
Maureen Richardson, State Director
425-869-1923